Phillip, Nyree, Anne, De Chantal, Richard, Scott, Katerina.

Apologies: Melanie, Deb,

ACTION: Richard will email De, who will submit

ACTION: Scott will chase up Mel to see what we need to do

• good opportunity for celebration – we are one yr old
• but have to get key jobs done – electing committee members
• discussion digressed to how and why enthusiasm  has waned and we are not getting lots of people to meetings anymore
• perhaps we should go back to meetings at peoples houses
• perhaps we should meet later in evening or on weekends
• next general meeting is 25^th August We will make it 6:30 for socializing and 7pm start meeting. Venue – De Chantal’s 28 Fontein St West Footscray
• ACTION: everybody promote in networks
• bring plate and bottle to share.

• KG met with Glen Lawless from Anecto who was very excited and gave in principle agreement for auspiscing
• Council was briefed on report yesterday. Will decide on Tuesday
• Please write positive emails to council supporting community program
• Please attend meeting on Tuesday and get others to go
• ACTION: Katerina email about council meeting and put on digest
• Potential for AMES to get involved – they have hostel for migrants from Christmas Island across road
• Someone is interested in setting up a community bike workshop
• Building needs work, but we could start working on grounds and outside toilet
• Urban honey co is interested
• Vicrelief food bank is interested

• is there a green option?
• ACTION: Deb to research alternative and email core group top 3 options.
• If this is too much work, Deb should email group and someone else will do it.

• Ann does not have skills at this stage, but is willing to assist and learn

• Workshops – next is pasta making Sunday 25^th july. Worth advertising through community centres and council. Espalier is 24^th july at mel’s  place. Mel  to confirm details for pasta making. May need to add workshop if we get rootstock from Council. Werribee is having grafting workshop on 17^th july. Pow will put on website
• Playgroup – going well. De has more time to put in. Had general meeting and everyone signed themselves up for activities. A number of people taking ownership of group. Going to have playblitzes to attract others. De Chantal to ask members what day/time would suit for meetings.
• Blitzes – this Saturday a blitz on how to do a blitz at Leah Avene’s house.. Check address is correct on website. Angela Cassela’s blitz August 29^th.  Scott has daughter’s piano concert. Try to change to 22^nd. Scott call Angela. Angela Chiew Ashley is in waiting. Scott to talk to her about Blitz in October.
• werribee park heritage orchard – almost incorporated. Grafting day booked. Need to collect scion wood during week prior to that. will need help. Kat Post on POW website. Pam Morgan and Graeme George are collecting Pear Scion

• political policy – phillip wonders what our policy is on supporting political parties. A Greens meeting was advertised on our website – about planning. Scott suggested disclaimer on website that we do not have political affiliation but we post things about our community for information
• social gatherings – not discussed
• inner north update – not discussed
• friends of stony creek planting day this Sunday 4^th July 1-3pm Enter of Hyde St opposite Mobil tanks under west gate bridge. Kat to post on website
• good website is cityfarmer (Canadian)

• Present – Kate, Ann, Richard, De Chantel, Scott & Melanie
• Apologies – Nyree, Deb, Katerina, Deila, Chris

• Next planning meeting to be held on the 1/4/2010
• ACTION: We will not be attending this meeting due to short notice.
• ACTION: Melanie to email PcM to request dates of upcoming meeting so we can be present with time to plan who will attend.

• ACTION: Move to next Excec meeting agenda as role needs to be defined and who is taking care of this role?

• MC newsletter article (nyree) – written, published and they’d like more. Nyree is also to write something for next PIE, but doesn’t know when it is due
• ACTION: Melanie to contact PcM re updates – when next PIE submission

• Candice not present. Project proposal deferred to next meeting. Allocate time to really discuss process.
• ACTION: put on website that we need a project officer

• Melanie has purchased some seed envelopes and organized a stamp with POW on it to put on envelopes. Deb has said she would like to donate seeds to give away. Scott suggested the freebies be available to be collected when new members come to a meeting.
• ACTION: Melanie: A list needs to be defined of what freebies on offer and a how to track new members.

• Moved to next meeting as Katerina not present.

• Two very different groups have developed from the permaculture playgroup. Braybrook more structured while Maidstone fluid.
• Candice has mentioned St Albans would like to create a new playgroup.
• Both Braybrook and Maidstone gardens conditions have a
• greatly improved, best they have ever been said Scott.
• Grace from the council has donated pots for the playgroup so each child can have their own.
• Kate will put the idea forward to the Hobsons Bay Council.

• Scott & Richard have been very busy.
• At last PcM meeting Richard was approached to see if POW was interested in looking after an orchard at Werribee Mansion.
• History of Site: was started by the Nun’s in the 1870’s.
• POW requirements are nil, only to support.
• Scott & Richard to keep us updated on the workshops and planting days.
• Plan is to have another “petty’s” in the west.

• Next Blitz on May 2^nd. Action: Deb, Scott & Mel to design.
• Nyree not present so moved to next meeting.

• Next workshop Seedsaving to be held at Braybrook Community Garden on the 24^th April at 10am.
• Mexican Cooking workshop was requested by Ann & Scott. ACTION: De to check her mother-in-laws availability.
• Course on ‘permaculture architecture’ suggested by De Chantel. ACTION: Melanie to contact Joel Meadows to see if he would like to hold a workshop on this topic.

• Add to Excec agenda to clarify the number of workshops and meetings to be held in a year.
• Social Day suggested by Scott. Eg meet at Lentil as Anything and watch Candice and her band play or Aagan for dinner or pizza day held at Maidstone community centre. ACTION: to be added to the web page – De to follow up.
• Permaculture social gathering to be advertised in local papers. ACTION: Kate/Ann to follow up.
• Olives at Pipemakers park to be pressed. Pressing Machine may be available from Grain & Grape. Bring your own containers, small clean jar. ACTION: Katerina to plan a day. Email: info@pow.org.au for info

• Present – Debbie, De Chantal, Scott, Nyree, Natalie, Angela (new), Katerina, Phillip
• Apologies – Richard, Delia, Melanie

• Richard not present and email not accessible.
• ACTION: Kat forward email to people present for comment and post relevant matters on website.
• Someone needs to go to next PcM meeting, but need to know when it is.
• ACTION: Kat email PcM for details of nxt meeting

• Nyree gave summary of strategic meeting: Nyreee, DeChantal, Melanie, Debbie & Kat met with Jose (De’s husband), who facilitated a process to try and define POW and POW’s role, specifically how our social context (the West) defines who we are and what we do. At this stage the process is incomplete, but we plan to meet again. In the meantime, Nyree and Kat will write up a summary of the meeting so far
• Kat mentioned that one thing that came up was how to get people involved in active roles, so that we can achieve more. Kat wants to make up a notice board that we can have at all workshops, permaplaygroups etc, explaining who we are, what our vision is and how people can get involved.
• Roles we are looking for at the moment: fund raiser, events person
• Angela asked how mailing list worked. Kat explained posting system. Deb mentioned that what we need is a mailing system. This is something to revisit at next exec meeting.
• ACTION: Nyree and Kat write formal summary of strategic meeting.
• ACTION: Kat make up noticeboard
• Natalie mentioned that she came to see if anybody from POW could come to Gaudion reserve to give some expert advice on a community garden. Suggested that we sell our services to advise bodies on gardens and playgroups etc.
• Scott and Debbie agreed to visit site to give quick sketch plan to take to council. If goes ahead, Natalie is welcome to come back to us for a blitz. Date set: Sunday 7th after preserving workshop.

• POW is not having a stall. We are not in a position to do so at the moment.
• Apologies to Candice. We really appreciate her support of POW and hope to support her another time

• MC newsletter article (nyree) – written, published and they’d like more. Nyree is also to write something for next PIE, but doesn’t know when it is due
• ACTION: kat contact PcM re updates – when next PIE submission
• Mailing list(Kat) – see above

• Candice not present. Project proposal deferred to next meeting. Allocate time to really discuss process.
• ACTION: put on website that we need a project officer

• Deferred to next meeting as Mel not present

• See above

• Council will decide at next meeting on Tuesday 16^th March. One of our supporters spoke to the mayor at Yarraville station, who said Sarah Carter is in favour of our proposal. Main concern of other councilors is that they will have to invest money in fixing up building. Kat plans to write to councilors pointing out that we do not need building at this stage. It just needs to be made safe ($10,000 by their own estimate). She will also remind them that at this stage we are simply asking for them to give us time to write a proper business plan and look at ways of raising money from sponsors
• ACTION: Kat write to councilors
• ACTION: everybody come to meeting on 16^th and email councilors voicing support for project.

• Kat met with Srebrenka Kunek, creative director of LMW, who informed her that at this stage, the horticulture subcommittee is not going ahead. However, they would still like some connection with POW
• Kat mentioned possibility off blitz in return for rent of space
• LMW is also in negotiations to revitalize railway stations in West, starting with Yarraville. This would involve cafes and stores on stations and growing food near tracks, which would be available for public to take. Left over produce could be preserved/dried etc and sold in shops on stations. At this stage, it is in planning and there is nothing to decide or do, but worth keeping abreast of.

• 2 people have emailed who want blitzes – angela is one.
• Angela will be april
• Other person will be offered may.
• Pipemakers blitz june in return for a night’s rent there and then we can see how it goes.
• ACTION: Kat to talk to Srebrenka
• Angela Chiew wants a winter blitz.

• De wants to know if we are okay with her doing her master’s research on our group. All agreed.
• 2 play groups happening. One is very structured (run by delia and nick at braybrook). Other is not structured at maidstone – run by de Chantal.
• De and Scott organizing to film playgroup
• Has proven good way of getting community space looked after. Adam Grubb is willing to help advertise in other suburbs.

• Workshops – going well. Budding one was unfortunate that trees weren’t big enough, but people enjoyed themselves.
• ACTION: follow up with mel that preserving workshop
• We need to organize a working bee at maidstone to cover rent here. A Sunday would be good.
• Kat asked whether the work that the permaplaygroup does would be enough?
• Follow this up at next meeting

• forum on here on Wednesday
• diary date: 21st march 12-3 harmony day and feast. Need volunteers to serve iced teas.
• Kat raised changing meeting time to 6:30. Scott suggested starting at 6 with half hour social event.
• (After meeting via email, it was decided that meetings would start at 6pm, but the first hour would be a talk on a topic of interest. Admin items would then get done in the last 40 mins, with a strict time limit of 5 mins for each update)
• Scott is setting up Maribyrnong community centre and looking for people to be part of it. Setting up nursery there.

Mel (or Nyree) to attend 1/3/10

PcM related activities.

Action: need dates from PcM then discuss roster at next exec meeting.

Action: Secretary to keep PcM advised of events and workshops

Action: Secretary to send general meeting minutes to PcM

Action: Nyree, Deb and Mel to provide POW update for bimonthly PIE.

Convenor – Mel (Jul 09 – Dec 09), Scott (Jan10 – Jun 10)

Secretary – Deb (Jul 09 – Dec 09), Kat (Jan10 – Jun10)

Treasurer – Kat (Jul 09 – Dec 09), Deb (Jan 10 – Jun 10)

Events Co-ordinator-need to advertise at events, on website etc for events co-ordinator

Fundraising – Treasurer’s role. Candice to help out with fundraising role.

Action: Deb to investigate developing a new monthly newsletter of events.

Action: Kat to write up proposal of what should be done with a monthly mailout – events, projects, meetings. Present proposal at next meeting

Action: Kat/De to take on how to personalise a monthly mailout

Nyree volunteered Willie to help design the logo.

Scott: that Permaculture is more than gardening, so the logo should reflect this.

Kat: we need to harness the energy of the group, and ensure that the projects are aligned with POW values. Kat believes that the group should vote on whether to approve a project.

Action: Candice to develop a project template

Scott: need to include Occ Health & Safety considerations, and estimated costs.

Mel: core values are on the PcM website. This should inform the project framework.

Kat: Projects should be in the monthly mailout

De: should we have a project officer so that the convenor doesn’t get swamped

Kat: projects shouldn’t have to provide weekly updates. It should be at the monthly meetings

Mel: prefers a weekly update for those projects that run over long time frame.

Outcome: Projects is a work in progress. Further discussions required. Agenda item for next meeting

Maidstone Community garden – we can have free access provided we work for half an hour or so.

Maribyrnong Council newsletter – want to do an article on POW. Nyree will provide text. Due 22^nd Jan.

Action: Nyree to provide text for Maribyrnong Council newsletter by 22/01/10

La Trobe Uni are doing a study on localized food supply – Mel & Deb to follow up (Scott to provide)

Permaplaygroup – De to develop a philosophy

Pipemakers Park – Kat asks for people to email her if interested in being on the Pipemakers Park Horticultural subcommittee

Permablitzes – Nyree followed up with everyone who signed up for a permablitz at Mel’s in September. All have dropped out.

Action: Kat to email people who signed up at the festivals as they were interested in having a permablitz

Action: Nyree/Deb to develop a process for Permablitzes, including a statement of work

De’s permablitz- in 8 weeks time. Scott/Mel/Deb designers.

Brimbank festival – invited to have a stall and do a presentation. On 13^th March. Candice to work with Mel.

Action: Mel to forward Brimbank Festival email to group

Candice: explain permablitzes on website. Advertise in Brimbank newsletter, Maribrynong letter, local newspaper, gardening groups.

Next general meeting 24^th February at Maidstone Community garden

Introduction and Welcome

2 new people attended their first POW meeting. Welcome to Kate and the man from Friends of Stony Creek (sorry, but I didn’t note your name down)

What is POW? What are we about? Where are we going?

Lot of food for thought. Decision made to move the discussion to the next Executive meeting. In the meantime, everyone to read the POW Principles draft document as a way of starting to think about this.

Pipemakers Park (Kat)

Background – Living Museum of the West (LMW) Creative Director Srbrenka offered land and nursery lease deal to POW. Decision by Mel, Deb & Nyree (Kat doesn’t agree with the decision by accepts it) that POW wasn’t ready to take on the responsibility of the undertaking, with only 8 members, many of whom have young families. Instead, POW has accepted the kind offer by Srbrenka for POW members being invited to form a Horticultural Subcommittee. This subcommittee would advise LMW on horticultural aspects at Pipemakers park.

Scott suggested POW could assist with re-invigorating of the indigenous nursery at the site.

Agreed that other groups need to get involved at Pipemakers park

POW Picnic to be held at Pipemakers Park on 29^th November starting 4pm. This is part of the memorybyrnong festival.  BYO food. Kat asked that

1. everyone tell as many people as possible to turn up,

2. a list should be available for people to sign up

3. an email must be sent out to all tell them of the event

John Shone  update on Pipemakers Park

Job agency service engaged to work at Pipemakers Park. Best case is 20 people start working early January. Worse case – 20 people start working in February.

Overall 200 places are available to blitz the park in 2010, working closely with POW horticultural subcommittee.

Also Highpoint owners have offered to fund activities at the park, to create a link. Previous LMW management didn’t respond. LMW is now looking at these offers.

All agreed there is unrealised potential at Pipemakers Park to bring community together.

Maidstone (Kat)

POW was alerted to the Maidstone Public Hall by a local resident. Maribyrnong City Council (MCC) asked for Expression Of Interest (EOI), Tender and for submissions opposing the sale. POW submitted an EOI for a market garden.

Kat contacted the council regarding an oral submission. As there was a misunderstanding about what POW’s submission was, Kat agreed to change the EOI to be a submission opposing the sale. Michael Clarke and Sarah Carter were present. One of the Maidstone resident, Natasha Mitchell also spoke.

Council makes the final decision and meeting on 16/2/10. MCC will invite POW to the meeting to hear the decision

Kat asked:

1. That as many people as possible turn up

2. An email must be sent out to all to tell them of the event

Nyree suggested an email campaign. Get as many people as possible to send an email opposing the sale.

Suggestion that a committee be formed to arrange a letter writing campaign – write to all councillors, CEO, online petitions

Maidstone Public Hall campaign meeting to be held 20/1/10 at Angela’s home. RSVP to Angela’s email address.

Executive meeting (Kat)

Next executive meeting is 16/12/09 @ Mel’s home starting at 7pm. Anyone is free to attend this meeting. Agenda so far

· What is POW? What are we about? Where are we going?

· What roles does POW need, and who can fill them (Fundraiser, Secretary etc)

· Using the Mailing list for a membership drive (NB Privacy issues re contacting former members. Need to add a clause onto membership form to opt in to receive communications after they’re no longer members)

· Logo

· POW structure – incorporated, co-op?

Possible slogan (Kat)

Permaculture Out West – emPOWering community

Kat suggests we use the slogan “emPOWering community”

Suggestion that the group have a discussion about it using the website comments.

Action: Deb to add post about the slogan

Fund raising projects

What can we do to raise money?

Suggestions where

Gold coin donations at workshops, stalls

Movie night out the back at Nyree’s

Plant propagation, packaging seeds and selling

Selling stainless steel drink bottles or cups with POW logo

Membership drive using the mailing list

John S has experience in grant scheme – willing to help the fundraising officer

Kate – Worm juice is a good money maker

Pot plants with POW logo

Other Business

List of upcoming events (action: Deb to add to website)

Shaun & Kat – Trugo site update. Development of idea slowed a bit as Kat’s focus has been elsewhere. DSE decision on grants deferred to just before Christmas

MCC Sustainability newsletter – interested in doing a story on POW. Scott&Mel to follow up with MCC

De Chantal’s partner is a facilitator – suggestion that he help the group find its way at the next executive meeting

Scott – remember Big Backyard celebration from 12 noon to 4pm

Next Meeting

24/2/2010 – tentative location is Kat’s place. To be confirmed closer to the date

8:00 p.m.

Close meeting

Meeting Date & Location

Attendees:

Apologies:

Convenor:

Minutes taken by:

Meeting opened

Meeting closed

Action: Mel to contact Adam re the use of permablitz name (Mel)

Leah will do make a dhal for lunch

The Mail is sending out a photographer and an article will be written up

Action: Put Monica’s permablitz photos on the website (Deb)

Action: Create a guest sign up sheet for Permablitzes (useful for insurance purposes as well). Neesh suggested a hardcover book to keep in which to keep all the names

Need a notice board to pin posters to for the stand

Viv needs to be kept in the loop so she can talk on behalf of Maidstone

Action: Add Water & Energy Expo to next meeting agenda (Deb)

Action: Scott to get a notice board from Community Centre

Can trade on the internet (see http://community-exchange.org)

Shaun – questions whether there is energy in the group to do this

Kat – need a list of future projects, like LETS

Bryan – how many hours would it take to administer

Group is in favour of LETS

Action: Monica to get a presentation package together and present to the group

Action: List of future projects

MSG applied for the grant (Janet Rice submitted the application on their behalf).

Mel – Need an auspices ie Chris McCall Yarraville Community Centre

Mel – the group is supportive of the grant. Good idea for POW, for other food co-ops

Shaun – Cr Michael Clarke supports MSG bid for Trugo site in principle

Shaun – there is asbestos on the site

Kat – need to be clear about what we want

Action: Neesh, Shaun, Leah, Kat to convene separately to develop business plan

Carbon Reduction grant

Mel to contact Viv about this

Maribyrnong Council is going carbon neutral and there is gossip that they’re not selling any more council land so community gardens etc can be developed in readiness for peak oil

Media strategy – Deb to work on it

Neesh – suggest an announcement when next permablitz occurs

Action: Send an email out with announcement of next permablitz

Bank account

Needs to 2 signatures to take money out

Certificate of Incorporation needed