RETROSUBURBIA is the latest book by Permaculture founder David Holmgren and considered by many as his most accessible and broadly relevant. In it, he outlines why retrofitting the suburbs is the key to sustainable humansettlement in a low-carbon, post peak-oil world. With numerous case studies based in central Victoria, this book is practical and highly relevant to our area. The book club is FREE and open to all who are interested and able to commit to the reading and participation in the club.
RETROSUBURBIA discusses creating a simple but rich & abundant lifestyle by working through three main themes: built, biological and behavioural. We will meet over the 9 weeks of Term 2, commencing on April 27 and concluding on June 22. You don't have to have read the book before April 27 but you do need to commit to reading during the term!
Our time each week will focus on small group discussions of questions arising from the chapters discussed. Each week we discuss several chapters of the book. No need to purchase: there are 16 copies of the book available for loan. [Further information about the book:www.retrosuburbia.com]
This is an in-person bookclub, to be held at Chestnut Farm, Invermay (10 mins from Ballarat Town Hall) from 7 - 9 pm each week. Zoom may be an option for those who don't live locally, are not vaccinated or who cannot attend particular nights due to family responsibilities, illness, etc. You will not usually be able to join the group after the term has started, so please sign up NOW! The club will be facilitated by BPG President & long-term permie Steve Burns, but Steve's role is wrangling the discussion rather than presenting. Previous RS bookclubs have featured very lively group discussion. The issues, topics and case studies are highly engaging and the group usually wants to talk all night! Look forward to a fun night that will also stimulate serious thinking about life direction & choices.
FREE event but you must book here:
Session plan:
April 27 - Introductions & agreements, Retrosuburbia talk by David Holmgren
May 4 - Chapters 1 - 3 Setting the Scene
May 11 - Ch 4 - 7 Built environment strategies, case studies & group discussion
May 18 - Ch 8 - 13 Built environment strategies, case studies & group discussion
May 25 Ch 14 - 18 Built environment strategies, case studies & group discussion
June 1 Ch 19 - 23 Biological environment (aka garden & farm!) strategies, case studies & group discussion
June 8 - Ch 24 - 28 Behavioural environment strategies case studies & group discussion (where the rubber hits the road)
June 15 - Ch 29 - 34 Behavioural strategies continued
June 22 - Group & personal reflections and goal setting. What is your RS vision? Action Plan?
