Another PDC wrapped up

Group photo with Lumia (our student Miki’s daughter), Tracey and Lucia (our kitchen crew) (and Maggie the dog)

We were sad but glad to see another batch of PDC graduates go… Sad, because we all had such a lovely time together, and glad because they were empowered and inspired, and ready to go back into the world and share Permaculture. 

A lovely and very diverse group of students left us last weekend after the 2 week course here at PRI Sunshine Coast. Everyone got along really well and there was a great group bond. Feedback was very positive, and everyone felt inspired to take Permaculture further. Whether as a teacher, farmer, urban permaculturist or helping indigenous communities, we were very pleased to see everyone so excited to spread the Permaculture word…

Chef Tracey and her bounty for the day.

Feedback from the students:

“I’m feeling inspired by the learning I’ve experienced and the connection and sharing with Tom and other students and kids. Felt like family. I’m feeling enthusiastic and empowered to take Permaculture Design to the next stage of my life., so I can share my knowledge with First Nation communities in the Kimberlies. Much gratitude.”

“Tom and Zaia are very welcoming. Tom has a very in depth knowledge of the topics and great practical experience. Chef was great! Food fresh from the garden, great to see it all in action!”

“Tom is a great teacher who passes on his vast knowledge in a practical and easy way. I reckon everyone should do a PDC!”

Miki’s birthday cake…

“It was wonderful! It’s great that Tom is so hands on and Zaia is organised. It was great to experience farm life and see a beautiful partnership / family life! Thank you so much!”

“I am enthusiastic about this life experience, and I’ll keep it alive in my daily life, trying one day to become a real Permie! Thank you!”

Lunch from the garden!!

“The course was great, so much info to take in. Each principle was backed up with examples, which was great.”

“I feel so great, I do not know how to explain. Meeting new friends and doing new things in the nicest environment, I’m the one who should ask, how do you feel!”

“Thanks so much for a thoroughly enjoyable and ultra informative PDC. The friendly atmosphere and passion for Permaculture created an infectious thirst for knowledge amongst the group. Good luck with your future projects, I hope I can be involved in one sometime further up the road.”

Yumm… Morning tea!

“Have enjoyed the course, the time structure was good, the indoor/outdoor classroom was very pleasant. Catering throughout the course has been excellent, everyone eating together was extremely rewarding in setting an example of Permaculture community. Tom’s teaching style was easy going and relaxed, making it an excellent learning experience. Thanks!”

We have now started a 10 week internship and hope to keep you updated how that is going over the next 10 weeks. Stay tuned!

Miki’s daughter Lumia helping in the kitchen

Author: Zaia Kendall

Zaia grew up in a family of musicians in Holland, and has a background in top sport (snow skiing) and web development and design. She co-founded the PRI Luganville and PRI Sunshine Coast Inc (now PermEco Inc.) with Tom, and runs the “invisible structures”, like finances, business administration, website design and maintenance, writes articles and records and edits videos. She assists Tom in running the Kendall Permaculture Farm and supervising other volunteers. She is an active member of several musical projects and bands, involved in community music and runs percussion and marimba workshops, is the percussion leader for the Woodford Folk Festival People’s Orchestra and composes as well as plays music. She is passionate about community music and loves seeing people discover that they can play!