Dear ATA Members,

ABC TV program Can We Help? is searching for people and stories where we might be able to help fulfil a wish!

For four years the program has reunited families and friends, made people’s dreams come true and provided expert advice to the curious minded. Whoever the person, whatever the age be it 4 or 84, whatever the dream we’d love to hear about it. Are there sustainability experts you have always wanted to meet? A community project you need help with? Is there anyone you want to surprise? The program does not have a huge budget, but please let us know and maybe we can help.

Here are some examples from Series 4:

Michael, ill with cancer, wrote to us telling us about his wife Dympna – his full time carer, financial support and best friend. Dympna is a keen gardener and Michael asked if we could arrange for his wife to meet Peter Cundall in their home vege patch. Michael has since passed on, but Peter Cundall now mentors Dympna, providing garden tips. (Episode 31)
A mum accidently washed her sons Geelong footy jumper which had all the players signatures on it. She wrote to us to see if we could ask the players to re-sign the jumper. (Episode 12)
A man wrote in on behalf of his wife who always wanted to drive the Council Bus. We surprise his wife with lessons on how to drive the bus and she is now off and away helping the community! (Episode 37)
If you would like to watch these stories to get a feel for the “Help Wanted segment” you can head to

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/canwehelp/video/

We would love to hear from you.

Please write to canwehelp@your.abc.net.au (you must mention that you are an ATA member)

or address your letters to:

Can We Help?
“Help Wanted segment”
GPO Box 9994 Perth WA 6848
Thank you. The CWH Team
www.abc.net.au/canwehelp

You have received this email because you are an ATA member or subscriber to ReNew magazine or Sanctuary magazine.
ATA advocates on behalf of its members who are making sustainable choices in their own homes and who benefit from the experience of others in the ATA network. ATA publishes ReNew: technology for a sustainable future, and Sanctuary: sustainable living with style magazines which are read by over 100,000 people across Australia.

If you don’t want to receive bulletins like this from time to time, please let us know. Ph (03) 9639 1500 or email maddie@ata.org.au
ATA – Alternative Technology Association
A not-for-profit organisation promoting renewable energy, sustainable building and water conservation since 1980.
ABN: 57 533 056 318

Level 1, 39 Little Collins St, Melbourne, 3000
Reception: 03 9639 1500
Fax: 03 9639 5814
ata@ata.org.au
www.ata.org.au

In 10 days the ATA will start work installing a 34m meter high wind monitoring system at the Sunshine Energy Park in Melbourne’s west. The system will be used to record wind data for 12 months as part of a site assessment of a potential wind energy development at the site.

We need four or five volunteers to help with a variety of tasks over two days. No experience is required, and it is a great opportunity to learn about wind monitoring, wind energy and wind turbines from a couple of experts, Craig Memery (ATA’s wind energy specialist) and Trevor Robotham (Sun Wind and Power, wind and solar energy installer).

Schedule
The installation will take place Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th of Feb, from about 9:30am until 5:30pm (subject to weather conditions and site access).

To minimise management and site access issues, volunteers will be required for a minimum of 4 hours at a time. Lunch and a transport allowance will be given to those who are available for a full day (6-8 hours).

There may also be the opportunity to help with preparations on Monday the 15th, and additional site visits to test the system later in the week or on the weekend.

Tuesday 16th tasks include:
loading (offsite) and unloading (on site) of equipment
preparing ground anchors and tower base
preparing and assembling the tower and gin pole
fitting and aligning sensor mounts
raising, levelling and lowering the tower
Wednesday 17th tasks include:
fitting the sensors and signal cables (3 anemometers and 1 wind vane)
wiring up and programming the data logger
raising and levelling the tower
connecting and configuring the wireless communications
testing and commissioning the entire system
Additional tasks over both days include:
documenting of system configuration and site data
head scratching, problem solving and troubleshooting
ideally we will have someone to take photos and/or video at all times so we can document the whole adventure in ReNew and on our website
we need a designated safety officer, at all times on both days (one volunteer could perform both of these roles)
What to bring
enclosed footwear
long sleeve shirt
sun, rain and wind protection
hot and cold weather gear
bring snacks to eat during the day as food cannot be purchased on or near the site. Lunch will be provided for full-day volunteers
drinking water will be provided on both days.
Personal Protective Equipment (hard hats, high vis vests and gloves) will be provided, please advise if you can bring your own
camera or digicam
Interested?
To volunteer, or for more information, contact Craig Memery on craig@ata.org.au or 9631 5418 before 12:00PM, Wednesday 10th Feruary..

Trying to find the perfect present for those that are sustainably-minded? Purchase one of these gift from the Alternative Technology Association and know that every dollar you spend will be used by ATA to research, educate and advocate for a sustainable future.

Place your order before Friday 18th December to ensure delivery.

Note the ATA office will be closed on Friday 11th and between 24th December 2009 to January 4th 2010.