Neighbours share for the future
“We need all hands on deck at this critical time in human history.” MONICA WINSTON
A GROUP of Geelong green thumbs have joined a program that promises to change the world — one street at a time.
Geelong’s first Transition Street, a sustainable living movement, was launched on May 7 in Herne Hill’s McCurdy Rd.
Resident Monica Winston said eight homes in McCurdy Rd were involved in the project, which includes monitoring water use, growing home produce and reducing waste.
“We hope Transition Streets will begin to pop up around the entirety of Geelong and we’re encouraging members to knock on people’s doors and spread the message all around,” she said.
Ms Winston she said first met the group’s initiator, Saranyu Pearson, when the vet visited her home to treat her sick cat.
During the visit Dr Pearson noticed Ms Winston’s edible forest garden and wanted to develop one of her own. The pair were inspired to make an urban food forest that was the first stage of the larger Transition Street plan.
There was a strong focus on sharing in the project, with members participating in food swaps, bulk billing and sharing equipment.
“The project will encourage people to implement changes in their lives, not only environmentally but also in becoming more connected to the community and gaining resilience. It’s very doable for all ages,” Ms Winston said. “I have a wood chipper which is a $1200 piece of equipment that people might not be able to afford to use on their own merits.
“We’re all happy to lend a hand to each other.
“We need all hands on deck at this critical time in human history.”
The group even has plans to provide formal education to members, having received a private donation to provide education in permaculture. They have also received support from local MPs, including Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson, who stores workbooks on the Transition Street method in her office.