MASG News and Events

Advance notice that our next Social Night for members will be held at the Cri on Friday 29th August from 5:30pm until 7pm. We’ve booked tables near the open fire and look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible. Make sure you put this date in your diary!

Many thanks to the unknown person who donated his/her bike to MASG instead of trading it in on a new bike! It is now part of the MASG bike fleet.

Solar PV Project Up to 75 member households in the Shire will soon have  1KW of solar PV on their roofs at relatively low cost. We expect installation to start in November/December and finish in February/March. Each system will generate around 4 KWh per day, which will amount to between 25% and 40% of their total electricity consumption. Recent work by MASG project officer, Jayson Burhop, with the help of committee members, has involved preparation of contracts, organisation of bridging finance and the arrangement of appropriate insurance.  In the process, we’ve learned a lot about bulk buying which we expect to be able to transfer to other projects.

Focus on Community Remember to sign up for the next MASG workshop designed to explore and develop bottom-up, grassroots community development skills for people in their own communities. This session will be held on Thursday 4th September, 12.45-5pm, at the Anglican Church Hall, corner Forest & Kennedy Sts, Castlemaine, cost $15.00. The workshop will have a strong focus on social justice and environmental sustainability, and consists of a practical step-by-step guide that describes how to develop creative, engaging and meaningful projects with people from across the community. Bookings are essential, so email program facilitator, Deanna Neville on: deanna@focusoncommunity.org to reserve your place

Low Energy Solar Display Home needs you!!!
* Would you like to learn about passive solar house design and or share your existing skills with the general public?
* Do you want to learn how to be a house guide and gain experience in working with a diverse range of people coming through the house?
* Would you like to take part in developing educational materials for the solar display home?
* Would you be interested in supporting MASG to plant and maintain the gardens of the low energy solar display home?
* Do you wish to be a part of a strong committed team of volunteers?

If any of these things relate to you then please come to a volunteer information day at the Low Energy Solar Display Home on Tuesday 26th August at 10am. You will get a chance to meet other volunteers and the new Project Coordinator
Fran Woodruff. For further information please contact Fran on 54706978 on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday between 9.30-2.30pm. The Low Energy Solar Display Home is situated on the Midlands Highway in Campbells Creek, three minutes from Castlemaine CBD. There is a display sign at the front of the property.

Festival of the Wheel Introductory Ride
We are planning a FOW introductory ride along the Maldon rail track on Sunday 7th September. There will be two groups, one going part of the way (covering around 10km) and the other all the way covering around 35km). Both groups will leave from the MASG office 233 Barker St at 9am, the first returning around 10-30 and the other around 12-30pm. This is one of the best rides in the area. So dust off the treadley in the back shed and let Neil know you’re coming: neil@box311.biz

Ride2Work - Wednesday 15th October - Victory Park
Last year, after quite an intensive effort by MASG volunteers, 250 people rode to work or school in Castlemaine after joining us for breakfast and music at Victory Park. This was an extraordinary number in relation to our population. This year, we expect a further jump in interest if the increased number of people cycling around town is any indication. If you would like to help on the MASG Ride to Work Working Group, please contact Jill Gibson on 5472 3098 or jillg@vic.chariot.net.au

Festival of the Wheel (FOW) 25th & 26th October - Need to Book early!
Details of the FOW are now on our website: www.masg.org.au It’s going to be a great weekend in Castlemaine, with seven rides on the Saturday (from 9 to 92km), Cycling’s Big Night Out at the Theatre Royal on the Saturday night, fun Duathlons on the Sunday morning and a huge Family Day in the Botanical Gardens on the Sunday afternoon. You will see that there are rewards for Early Bird entries, including being in a draw for a quality bike and other prizes. Also, if you’d like to ride out to Maldon and come back on the steam train, you need to book early as there are only 300 seats available on the train. In fact if you book really early and are one of the first 40 entrants for the steam train return, you can travel in the De Luxe Tambo carriage at no extra charge.

Volunteer Profile – Rex Odgers
Rex became involved with MASG during March 2007 when he supported the first Wash against Waste service during the State festival. From there, he became involved in the development of MASG’s own WAW trailer and now works 2 days a week in the office on this project. Having been raised in Castlemaine, Rex has a strong interest in, and affinity with, the local community and is very keen to support the increased use of renewable energy and the minimisation of waste.

Schools sign project postponed…due to rain !! The Schools sign project was postponed on Wednesday due to low cloud and rain (well drizzle). It seems like our protest about climate change inaction has been rained out!! All 11 schools were keen and we will try again in October so stay tuned.

Maines Power features as case study in national management handbook.
Maines Power is the project in which we’re working with a range of partners, including CSIRO, the council and the four main energy users in the Shire, to cut greenhouse emissions by up to 30%. The project was recently highlighted as a case study in the Australian Industry Group’s Environmental Management Handbook 2008. The AIG is Australia’s leading industry organization, representing 10,000 employers in manufacturing, construction, automotive, telecommunications, IT & call centres, transport, labour hire and other industries. The handbook is distributed annually to all 10,000 members.

LOCO report now available. The Low CO2 Project was a MASG initiative funded by the Australian Greenhouse Office. The Low CO2 Project supported local businesses to generate energy savings, and a reduction in their carbon footprint. A copy of the final report of the project outlining the difficulties and opportunities for a local carbon trading scheme working with small business is now available.

Slow Transport Forum: ’a community consultation and conversation’
MASG’s Transport Working Group is organizing a community based Forum to discuss and consult on this issue as concerns the Mt Alexander Shire and associated wider region. We want to: hear what all community members have to say; hear from invited speakers as to what is being planned for or proposed by a wide number of organisations and provide a space for you to contribute to a transport VISION. When? Thursday 4th September, 6:30-9:30 pm Castlemaine Town Hall. RSVP (for org & catering purposes) before 1st Sept - contact Jill Gibson (03) 54723098, M: 0409404791or email jillg@vic.chariot.net.au  

Events organised by other groups

Future Scenarios and Solutions with David Holmgren, Friday 22nd August 2008 8:30am - 6pm, $100 Full $90 Concession/CERES members, with David Holmgren and Su Dennett at CERES Multi Cultural Classroom. Lunch, morning and afternoon tea provided by Seven Stars. A one day workshop Future Scenarios and Solutions using current work by David Holmgren, on planning for Peak Oil and Climate Change targeted at professionals, planners and decision makers in government and the private sector. To make a booking please contact Ceres on 9387 2609.

Castlemaine North Landcare Working Bee Sunday 24th August from 10am until 1pm. Meet at the large waterhole on the Happy Valley Walking Track (about half-way along from the Happy Valley Road end for newcomers).  Nearest parking is above the waterhole on Montgomery Street. Bring planting tools and buckets.   Further information: ring Robin Haylett on 0408 706630 or 5470 6630.
Email: rhaylett@mmnet.com.au

Friends of Kalimna Park:  Help, Friends of Kalimna need your help!!  As the member numbers are only small, but the projects big, extra hands are needed for ongoing weed eradication.  The next monthly working bee is on this Sunday 24th August, meet at the top (east end) of Lyttleton St, Castlemaine at 10 a.m. Enquiries:  Geoff Hannon: 5472 53 43.

Come and join Professor Stuart Hill for afternoon tea and an inspiring presentation about: “10 common mistakes to avoid, and needs to meet, when seeking to create a better world”. Recently retired from his role Chairing Social Ecology at the University of Western Sydney, Stuart Hill is an internationally recognised scientist, thinker, writer and mentor who has been working at the forefront of social change and human wellbeing for over 30 years. A passionate instigator of lateral thinking and holistic problem-solving, his background includes chemical engineering, ecology, soil biology, entomology, agriculture, psychotherapy, education, policy development and international development. Join us on Sunday August 31st, 2-4pm at the Uniting Church Hall on Lyttleton St, Castlemaine. Gold coin entry with light refreshments. For more information contact Jane Knight on Ph: 5348 1855 or Janet Phillips on Ph: 0400 050 399.

Free events at Castlemaine Community House Enviro Badges Get your enviro-slogans out there with badge queen
Barb Sparks-Henderson. Make three badges for free and a small fee per badge after that. When: Saturday 30th August 2-5pm
The Super Sustainability Side Show Series –Phil Hansen will facilitate 3 intrinsically linked sessions that explore some of the foundations for sustainable living. Phil is a landscape designer and sustainable land-use consultant.
1. Responsible Landscaping Responsible use of materials and plant choices for Future Central Victorian Gardens and landscapes. Saturday 6th September 10-1pm.
2.The Alchemy of Composting: Takes participants through a practical session turning waste material into broccoli and potatoes. Saturday 13th September 10-1pm.
3.Permaculture Basics: Discover how ancient farmers and modern technology can create sustainable human ecologies through appropriate design. Saturday 20th September 10-1pm.
Botanical Drawings with Kynan Sutherland
Join award winning artist Kynan Sutherland in a weekend of
drawing the flora of the Box-Ironbark Forests. The course will
include practical tuition in botanical drawing and the art of
close observation. An important and creative way of becoming
more intimate with the local environment. Materials cost $7.00. Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September, 10-4pm. to book for all CCE events phone: 5472 3299

Volunteers needed for Sustainable House Day: Now in its seventh year, the Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society will be holding Sustainable House Day across the nation on 13th and 14th September 2008. Carefully selected homes are open for visitors in major cities and some regional areas, including Elphinstone. Check the following website for house locations and training sessions (note that one will be held in Daylesford):www.sustainablehouseday.com Please contact Sarah Dugdale by email: sdugdale@arcom.com.au or ring either of the following numbers: 9025 9080 or 0409 640 841, if interested. This will also be excellent training for when the MASG Low Energy Display home is open later in the year.

Stillness in Action
Meditation, Community and the Earth, Seymour, 22nd – 28th September 2008. Further enquiries: Tathra: 0416 743 605, email tathra@gmail.com or check the website: www.stillnessinaction.net

Footprints to creating a sustainable small business Mount Alexander Shire Council is sponsoring FREE workshops for small producers and artisans working in the shire, to improve the sustainability of their business.
Places are still available for individual sessions, which offer practical activities, tools, inspiration and advice for developing action plans to sustain yourself, your business and your planet.
Sunday August 24th 10-1pm: Energy management
Sunday August 31st 10-1pm: Alternative energy, carbon offsets and greenpower
Sunday September 21st 10-1pm: Packaging, waste and transport
Sunday October 12th 10-1pm: Marketing your greener brand.
For more information and bookings please contact Jane knight on ph: 5348 1855 or email: janerknight@yahoo.com.au OR Gabrielle Brauer at Castlemaine Continuing Ed. 5472 3299 or email: g.brauer@con-ed.com.au

Picnic at Muckleford Steam and Wheels, Muckleford Railway Station, Saturday 6th September 2008, Father’s Day Weekend, 10am to 5pm. Working steam and diesel trains, rides available. Local wines, food, produce and crafts, live music Program. Children’s Entertainment, children admitted free. Enquiries: www.vgr.com.au, George Young 54752442

Sustainability Youth Forum: The Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) will be holding a forum for youth to spark the discussion around four priority areas -water, climate change, waste and social sustainability. The forum will result in four position papers that capture youth perspectives on these priority areas. Keynote speaker, Dr Paul Sinclair of the Australian Conservation Foundation will be joined by several high-profile panelists. If you’re aged between 15 and 30, are either studying, working or interested in the sustainability field, you are eligible to apply. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to network with other future leaders in envisioning your sustainable future for Australia! Details: Saturday 6th September, Level 7, RMIT Storey Hall, Swanston St, 8.45am to 5pm (lunch and morning and afternoon tea provided). Contact Gordon or Stacey via sustainabilityyouthforum@gmail.comor or ring 0403 591 045

Climate Emergency Network General Meeting
Saturday 13th September 1.15 to 5pm Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford VIC. Further information: climateemergency@netspace.net.au

Box Iron Bark Ecology course, Nagambie 13-17th October 2008. Brings together leading researchers and experts to share up to date knowledge and thinking about this landscape in change. For further information email: katestothers@dpi.vic.gov.au

Meditation Retreat with Subhana Barzaghi and Carol Perry, 13th – 20th March 2009, Daylesford. For beginners and experienced meditators. The cost is $410.00 and covers accommodation and three vegetarian meals a day. A limited number of concession places are available, please apply early. For Information and bookings contact Karina on (03) 5472 2956 or email: redwolf@vic.chariot.net.au . Application forms can be downloaded from www.dharma.org.au

Interesting Information and Links

Green Building Industry funds

The House of Representatives Primary Industries and Resources Committee tabled its report into the Draft Offshore Petroleum Amendment (Greenhouse Gas Storage) Bill 2008, which provides for carbon dioxide sequestration in offshore Commonwealth waters.

Carbon Market Expo Australasia 2008, 30-31st October 2008. Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Further info: www.carbonexpo.com.au

Grassroots climate change and transition groups: and especially interesting here, with climate action and transition groups working together.

Climate Change speed under estimated The speed at which the climate is changing has been significantly underestimated, with thousands of Australian homes potentially at risk from rising sea levels, a conference has heard. Speaking on the first day of the Coast to Coast ‘08 conference in Darwin, Will Steffen, of the Australian National University, said there could be devastating effects on many low-lying areas in coastal Australia within the next century.
“The evidence over the past 12 to 18 months suggests that we have underestimated how fast this aspect of the earth’s system can change,” he said. “We see things happening much faster than we thought.”
Professor Steffen, who is an adviser to the Federal Government, said climate change was the “most complex and difficult challenge we have faced as a species”. “In the 21st century a sea-level rise of at least 0.5 metres is a certainty, a rise of 1 to 1.5 metres is more likely, while a rise of up to four metres this century is possible,” he said. - The Age 20th August 2008

Green tips:

A short shower is a good shower and a good bath is one you have only occasionally

Quote of the week:

“The Premier and the Government are now looking at how to respond to climate change, but they don’t recognise the scale of the problem or the scale and urgency of the response that is needed. How can you tell people climate change is important and then say ‘we’re going to have this new black-coal-equivalent power station and we’re going to put lots of money into it’?”
-Prof David Karoly, member of the IPCC and Chair of the recently-appointed Victorian Government Reference Group on Climate Change, The Age 16th August..

MASG’s E News is currently compiled by Jill Bryan and edited by Neil Barrett. If you would like to advertise an event or comment on any items, please send to:enews@masg.org.au. Closing time for copy Wednesday 3pm.
If you would like further information phone 5470 6978

• Aug 15 : Mount Alexander Sustainability Group News Digest 15 August 2008
• Aug 8 : Mount Alexander Sustainability Group Weekly News Digest, 8 Aug 2008
• Aug 1 : Mount Alexander Sustainability Group News Digest Friday 1st August
• Jul 25 : Mount Alexander Sustainability Group Weekly News Digest, Friday 25th July 2008
• Jul 18 : Mount Alexander Sustainability Group Thursday 17th July 2008