Our mission: To explore, promote and implement practical actions for an environmentally sustainable and supportive community in North Epping (and surrounds).Who are we? We are a group of long term local residents interested in working towards a better future for the Epping area. We had our first public meeting at North Epping in March 2010 and our official launch six months later. In between we ran a series of workshops on various sustainability issues such as energy efficiency, health and wellbeing, waste and greywater, local biodiversity etc (go to http://transition-epping.blogspot.com or have a look at our Facebook site). Anyone is welcome to join our group: please get in touch if you have similar aims and represent another local group interested in working with us on projects.
What is a ‘transition town’? The Transition Town Movement began in the town of Totnes, Devon in the UK in 2006 (go to www.transitionnetwork.org) and has spread worldwide in response to local communities wanting to take action to contribute to a more resilient future for their communities in the face of climate change, declining oil supplies (known as peak oil) and government inaction in regard to both. Transition Epping joins the growing number of transition towns in Sydney that have formed in Parramatta, Lane Cove and the Northern Beaches to name a few (go to www.transitionsydney.org.au). The basic philosophy of transition towns is working at the local level in a practical way to support and care for each other, build community resilience and become more self-sufficient by providing more of our own energy, water and food supplies.
Current projects and activities
1. Solar panel buying scheme Transition Epping has negotiated a deal with Origin Energy for discount solar PV panels, which includes a 10% discount on an installed 1.5kW solar PV system (full price $2,999, with discount $2,691) plus a payment scheme over 12 months. If you are interested in the deal, please either email Mike du Plessis at [email protected].
2. Verge garden This is a joint project with the North Epping Shopping Centre owner to revamp the landscaped areas around the shops into native and food gardens. Transition Epping received a Bendigo Bank grant for $3,277 for this project.
3. Food garden at Epping North Public School This is a joint project with Transition Epping assisting the school with expertise and labour in setting up and tending the garden.
4. Transition Epping Swap and Share (TESS) workshops The focus is on practical skills for a sustainable future such as energy efficiency, cooking, crafts, growing food at home etc. At each workshop that doesn’t involve a site visit there will be a swap table for you to donate and take preloved goods.
5. Local bus service We are currently researching, in collaboration with students from the University of Western Sydney, efficiency options for the local 295 bus service linking North Epping with Epping station and Macquarie Shopping Centre.
6. Events with sustainability themes such as film nights, guest speakers, pre-loved swap sessions, bushwalks and a mini-expo.
7. To receive notification of upcoming workshops and events, contact Sandra (details below) and ask for your name to be added to our elist.
SANDRA NICHOLS
Coordinator Transition Epping
Email: [email protected]