Would you like to do a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) in 2027?
Ballarat Permaculture Guild will not be run a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) from January to June, 2027. Instead, we will be focussing on Backyard Bounty; our programme of public workshops, talks & tours to encourage more people to grow more food at home.
The PDC may run in the second half of 2027, once Backyard Bounty is finished in June. We expect to resume our 'normal' PDC offering in 2028 (running from Jan - June).
HELP make it happen! One reason the PDC has been suspended in 2027 is that we need more volunteers to run all the activities we'd like to do. If you're a past PDC student and would like to get involved, please contact info@ballaratpermacultureguild.org to register your interest.
About the BPG PDC:
This course is especially relevant for those who want a higher quality educational experience than a two-week intensive allows. The extended format allows you to integrate your learnings and apply them at home. Timing of the course means that many of our site visits take place at the best 'weather' times of the year - and when gardens and farms are in peak production. The PDC is limited to 20 students to allow for more tailored and one-on-one experience between you, your fellow students and instructors.
The extended format gives increased opportunity for course participants to connect socially with each other and the wider BPG network. We encourage you, and your family or household, to come along to potluck dinners, film nights, speaking events, Permies at the Pub and other workshops and events.
What we cover:
- History of permaculture
- Permaculture Ethics & Design Principles
- Ecology, embodied energies, climate and weather
- Land & Natural Environment
- Education and Culture
- Built environment
- Finance & Economics
- Tools and technology
- Health & Well being
- Design processes
- Animals in permaculture
- Developing a permaculture design
Throughout the course you will have activities to complete at home applying the knowledge you have learnt in the classroom. At the end of the PDC, to receive your certificate of completion, you will present your own permaculture design based on either your own property or a property suggested by the instructors.
Course venue:
42A Dyte Pde, Ballarat East (Uniting)
The course includes site visits to properties across the Ballarat district, where possible we encourage participants to car pool.
Course fees:
As a not-for-profit, community group we are able to offer our PDC at a very affordable price compared with commercial offerings
Full fee $1,295
Members Full Fee $1,100
Concession $795
Members Concession $675
Dual booking (couple or friends booking and paying together) $2,190 [$1095 per person]
Please read Conditions of Enrolment carefully before enrolling into the course.
Conditions of Enrolment:
Deposit of $100 is due with enrolment. Please refer to bank details below.
Spaces are limited. Once your deposit has been received, you will be eligible for consideration. If the course is oversubscribed, participants will be selected based on locality, permaculture interest and intent. All monies paid will be returned in full if this occurs.
Full payment is due by [date to be set when we resume!]
If you withdraw from the course before it starts, you must notify the Coordinator a full 7 days in advance for refund of fees, less $100 deposit.
If you withdraw from course after it has begun there will be NO refund, as we will have committed to operational costs which still have to be met.
Concession rate is available to pension/health care card holders (proof required, we will contact you after you have applied).
Note: Payment in instalments may be possible in exceptional circumstances, but must be discussed with Coordinator at time of enrolment.
Payment details:
All payments must be made to the following account, either by direct debit or over the counter at the bank. Credit Card facilities are NOT available and cash will not be taken.
Bendigo Bank: BSB: 633-000 Account: 135425353
***It is important that you include your Last Name as the payment note
For further enquiries - pdc@ballaratpermacultureguild.org
