3-day Residential
Permaculture Retreat
with David Holmgren, Beck Lowe and catering by Su Dennett
at Larnook Community Farm, Central Victoria
25 January – 28 January 2024
You will be learning from permaculture co-originator David Holmgren and renowned permaculture trainer Beck Lowe.Â
We will take a broad view of permaculture, exploring how the principles can be applied to all areas of living, not just food growing. There will be theory sessions each day, some practical permaculture activities and fire-side chats in the evenings.
No prior knowledge is assumed.
- Permaculture ethics and principles
- Applying permaculture to all areas of your life
- Reading landscape
- Soil improvement and food growing strategies
- Care and management of natural areas
- Basics of permaculture design
The Food
Meals will be created from mostly local, seasonal, organically-produced ingredients
Permaculture kitchen maestro Su Dennett will be coordinating the catering for the course.
In keeping with the permaculture ethos, the meals will be created from mostly local, seasonal, organically-produced ingredients.
Meals will be mostly vegetarian, with an ethical meat option on at least one day. We may be able to cater to other dietary needs, but you may want to bring some of your own food if you have specific needs. If you’re not sure, please contact us.
The Venue
Larnook is the site of an intentional community near Yandoit in Central Victoria on beautiful Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
You will be surrounded by 80 acres of regrowth forest, productive gardens and hand-built structures. Out of class time, you are welcome to walk in the forest, swim in the dam, socialise with other participants or just sit quietly and enjoy the space and wildlife.
There is an established orchard, active tree nursery, and multiple outbuildings – and the time is ripe for further permaculture developments.
This retreat is a chance to look at this developing space through a permaculture lens to suggest designs, strategies and directions for productivity and enrichment. As a contrast to this developing space, we will also be visiting David Holmgren and Su Dennett’s home base, Melliodora, which has been running since the mid-1980s.
The Larnook community.
Our intention is to build our own version of an alternative to the status quo and to harvest the collective skills and wisdom of the group and wider community.
Larnook has been, and continues to be, a place where people can meet and share their community concerns in an open and relaxed atmosphere without judgement; a social and economic hub for those who understand the need and value of shaking up society. We apply permaculture principles to how we live and farm, and demonstrate a more radical model of living.
Accomodation
Facilities on the retreat will be basic, with outdoor living and composting toilets. A shower is available for those who really need it, but if people swim in the beautiful dam instead we can save valuable water.
Bring your own camping gear or van. There are a few other options available onsite for an additional fee (these include an onsite caravan and basic room) – please contact us for details.
Summer is bushfire season in Central Victoria. If the fire danger rating for the three days is forecast for ‘extreme’ or higher, we will reschedule the retreat.
More information
From the evening of Thursday 25th January 2024Â
Until the afternoon of Sunday 28th January 2024
Maximum of 25 participants.
The price includes all meals from a basic supper on Thursday evening to afternoon tea on Sunday, and everything in between.
It also covers camping at the venue (BYO camping gear).
Contact our support team:
[email protected]
The following books are available for order at a discounted price when you register and can be collected when you arrive at the Retreat. Please note they cannot be posted to you beforehand.
Only available with event booking + pick up at PDC
$73.00
$59.00
Only available with event booking + pick up at PDC
$22.50
$15.00
Only available with event booking + pick up at PDC
$48.00
$37.00
Only available with event booking + pick up at PDC
$85.00
$68.00
Prices
Retreat limited to 25 people
Early Bird
$700
$600 concession
at the venue (BYO camping gear)
Payment Plan available
2 x monthly payments
$400
$350 concession
at the venue (BYO camping gear)