Community, Workshops & Events
Connect with like-minded people at our events and workshops.
Permaculture Design Certificate
Transform your life with our 72-hour certified PDC.
Be the change you want to see in the world!
Hi, we are Mike and Jo Kaye, passionate permies that have been practicing Permaculture in our community and on our 5-acre Bridgetown property for the past 8 years. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our off-grid strawbale home and supporting your learning journey by sharing our experiences and knowledge of Permaculture.
During the cooler months we love to connect with like-minded people and run a series of events and workshops (often free) in collaboration with other local community groups. Our upcoming calendar of events is below.
About Permaculture
What is Permaculture?
Permaculture is a philosophy and system of design developed in the late 1970s by Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgren. The term combines “permanent” and “culture”—originally “permanent agriculture”—and was later expanded to encompass “permanent culture.”
Inspired by traditional Indigenous land management and community systems that supported people sustainably over generations, permaculture offers a framework for creating self-sustaining, resilient ecosystems that meet human needs while caring for the planet.
Permaculture is founded on three core ethics:
· Earth Care – Respect and nurture the Earth’s natural systems.
· People Care – Ensure people have access to the resources they need.
· Fair Share – Share surplus and limit consumption to ensure equity for all.
Permaculture gardens and systems are known for:
· Minimal waste
· High energy efficiency
· Low dependence on external inputs
· Community collaboration
· Enhanced biodiversity
· Natural pest and weed control
Permaculture aims to restore and improve soil health while producing food. These approaches prioritize diverse yields, ecosystem resilience, and long-term sustainability.
As permaculture educator Geoff Lawton describes it:
“Permaculture is a system of design that provides all of the needs for humanity in a way that benefits the environment.”
Today, permaculture is practiced by millions of people around the world, influencing food systems, land use, housing, and community development.
Permaculture Design Certificate
For those who want to dig deeper into Permaculture we also deliver our annual Permaculture Design Certificate, a certified 72 hour PDC with the support of Permaculture expert Charles Otway from Terra Perma Design. A PDC is a life changing, practical course that will include site visits, activities, discussions and class room based learning, empowering you to live a more regenerative lifestyle.
Next PDC – early 2026
Below are some photos and comments from the 2025 graduates.
“Carving two weeks out of my busy life for the PDC has been such a fulfilling and unforgettable experience. I’m taking with me, a fresh mindset, a wealth of resources, a new community and a lifetime of inspiration. Mike and Jo are the most incredible hosts and passionate teachers. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and this has been the best value and life changing course. I’m sad it’s over, but really it’s just the beginning”
“A great experience – we learnt a lot with a range of fabulous knowledgeable people. Jo and Mike were welcoming, informative and patient with all our hundreds of questions. Lessons were engaging with plenty of variety and lots of garden and farm walk throughs. The students formed a chatty, happy and bonded group full of curiosity and support.”
“This course is more than a “gardening” learning experience. This content is potentially a life changing way of living. If only our children learnt these concepts at school! I have done many intensive courses over my career and this one was very well balanced and probably the most comprehensive I have ever done!”
“Above what was expected, the content was well explained and articulated in an easily understood manner. Food was amazing, presenters very friendly, engaging.”