philosophy of Bellingen Permaculture

Philosophy

To do what we can for people and the environment at this critical time in history.

We believe that the discipline permaculture provides the best pathway to repairing the earth and achieving sustainability.

Our role is in sustainable design, advocacy, education and mentoring.

We charge enough to cover our needs and donate remaining time to the above causes.

goals of Bellingen Permaculture

Goals

Produce great permaculture design.

Use working models to educate designers and the general public about permaculture – how it works and why it’s necessary.

Improve the skills of permaculture designers, whether professionals or backyarders, through education and mentoring.

Nick Radford of Bellingen Permaculture

Nick

I spent my childhood in Sydneys northern beaches, mostly in the water or the bush. I studied Architecture for a few years and worked part time for a practice, but left after too many arguments with the faculty. Backpacking through Asia and Latin America, I was influenced by many happy people living simple, sustainable lives. I launched into permaculture, moving to the bellinger valley in the mid 1990s to owner build on the cheap, garden and grow a rainforest. Around 2011 I moved to another block – a dry, degraded hill paddock (and learnt plenty about water).I’ve worked as a gardener, nursery hand, organic farmhand, contract drafter for various architects, landscape architects & engineers.

Qualifications:
3 yrs B. Architecture (incomplete degree)
Associate Degree Environmental Science (Resource Management)
Cert IV Architectural Technology
Cert IV Horticulture
Permaculture Design Certificate
Earthworks PRI
Cert III Organic Farming
Cert IV Small Business Management
Member BDA (Building Designers Association)
Member AILDM (Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers)

Jenney Skillen of Bellingen Permaculture

Jenny

I have spent a number of years in Europe and have an interest in European history and culture, particularly how knowledge of the past might help us live sustainably in the future. I’ve worked as adviser to NSW regional museums, illustrated a novel, taught museum practice at TAFE, run a vintage shop, made art and furniture.

Qualifications:
Cert. Fine Art
B. Social Science (Welfare)
Grad. Dip. Museum Studies
Dip. Art (Furniture Design)

In 2008 Jenny and Nick established the business ecoliving design, which quietly went about designing and consulting across a wide range of disciplines. In 2018 we looked at the urgency of the state of the environment and decided to make some more noise, go 100% permaculture and reformed into Bellingen Permaculture.

 

It could have been a non profit organisation funded by design work, or an altruistic business. In the end it was decided that an altruistic business is simpler to manage and allows more flexibilty.