Permaculture: four decades of education, design and action for a sustainable future

 

The Keith Roby Memorial Trust invites you to attend the 2016 Keith Roby Memorial Lecture presented by renowned co-originator of the permaculture concept, David Holmgren.

 

 

Permaculture is the harmonious integration of the landscape with people, providing their food, energy, shelter and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way.

  

 

It is 40 years since the permaculture concept was first articulated during the energy crisis of the 1970s. In this free lecture, David Holmgren will trace the evolution of the concept and movement that emerged from the Permaculture Design Course process, which his co-originator Bill Mollison started in 1981.

 

He will discuss the evolution of permaculture from environmental design, to the social and psychological design of the “inner landscape”, and address the question about the relationship between permaculture and spirituality.

 

About David Holmgren

 

Within the growing and international permaculture movement, David is respected for his commitment to presenting ideas through practical projects and teaching by personal example, that a permaculture lifestyle is a realistic, attractive and powerful alternative to dependant consumerism.

 

As well as constant involvement in the practical side of permaculture, David is passionate about the philosophical and conceptual foundations for sustainability and resilience that are highlighted in his book, “Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability”. It has become the text that is expanding permaculture beyond the garden and farm to redesigning our lives in ways that reflect ecological realities.  His more recent work “Future Scenarios: How Communities Can Adapt to Peak Oil and Climate Change” outlines energy descent futures that could emerge over the next few decades.

 

His latest work “RetroSuburbia; A downshifters guide to a resilient future” shows how the residential landscapes of our cities and towns can be transformed for the better by their residents. David Holmgren provides leadership with his refreshing and unorthodox approach to the environmental issues of our time. He and his partner Su Dennett live at Melliodora in Hepburn, Victoria, one of the best known permaculture demonstration sites in Australia.

 

The Keith Roby Memorial Lecture Series

 

The Keith Roby Memorial Lecture in Community Science is a lecture funded by Murdoch University Foundation and the Keith Roby Trust, established in memory of Dr Roby, a foundation member of Murdoch University.

 

Dr Roby believed science could make a major contribution towards resolving contemporary issues such as the dilemmas surrounding the environment, energy, resources and genetic engineering.

 

Dr Roby’s work, his life and the way he lived, are an inspiration to many, and the vision he illuminated continues through the Keith Roby Memorial Lecture Series.

 

 

Event details

 

Date: Tuesday  11 October 2016

Time: 6.00pm – 7.30pm

Venue: Kim Beazley Lecture Theatre, South Street Campus

 

RSVP: Essential by Wednesday 5 October 2016 to rsvp@murdoch.edu.au or on 08 9360 6176.

 

Sustainable refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the lecture.