2 - 16 April 2008 - Mudgee NSW

In a world out of balance, we are all looking for solutions. Solutions to ways of farming that can both feed a family, earn an income and build soil fertility. Solutions to ways of growing healthy, organic food in urban environments, effectively. Solutions to ways of retrofitting an existing house or property that results in lower energy costs and better health for its inhabitants. Solutions that use intelligent, thoughtful design principles to build sustainable lives, and sustainable communities.

Permaculture principles, like any really good design principles, can be applied across any bioshpere, any property, any landscape, any city. Permaculture is a network of well-grounded theories and techniques that, over time, result in sustainable and productive systems. Systems for living, architecture, food production, land management and community. No chemicals and no excuses. Just good, thoughtful, innovative and effective design for the needs of our species.

'...this was the greatest course I ever took...' - Dr. Ben Luna (Portland OR, USA)
 
What is a Permaculture Design Certificate Course?
 
The Permaculture Design Certificate Course (PDC) have been delivered since the early 1980's to possibly millions of people across the globe. All manner of people have done a PDC to equip themselves with an ability to confront constant cultural & environmental change & to become more sustainable, low energy-use members of the community.

The PDC is an efficient & cost effective means of gaining the knowledge of Permaculture Ethics & Principles together with amassing a skills, techniques & knowledge base for designing & developing sustainable human settlements - from a small home to a broad acre farm.

The 2 week residential format combines all of this to make for a totally empowering experience that is very likely to change your life…not to mention the connnections and friends you will make for life too!
 

Why take this Permaculture Design Certificate Course?

This PDC delivers the certified curriculum from The Permaculture Institute of Australia (Bill Mollison) . The curriculum is therefore based on Mollison's magnus opus: Permaculture: A Designer's Manual.

The PDC is a very intensive learning experience that, in our opinion, requires creative facilitation to be delivered optimally, countering the difficulties many face from traditional "chalk & talk" style delivery.

This course has been specifically designed to meet the needs of adult learners, using a wide range of creative facilitation methods, which have been roundly appreciated by Darren's past participants. 

The 72-hour Permaculture Institute PDC is equivalent to one university/college subject of one semester. It has always been intended to be a course focussed on design and thinking, rather than about technique.

That said, this PDC manages to balance the needs of participants by delivering the curriculum using a diverse range of outdoor practicums & design exercises for applied learning, along with imagery-based slideshows & videos. Working on the design and development of well over 1100 properties has provided Darren with a plethora of before & after photographs and experiences to share with his students. This man knows his onions.

This course can also serve as the foundation for further study and is a prerequisite for a Diploma in Permaculture Design, awarded by The Permaculture Institute. The credit attributed to a PDC is accepted by a growing number of universities around the world.

About the teacher

Darren Doherty has extensive experience across the world in Permaculture project design, development & management. A focus on retrofitting broadacre agricultural systems has seen Darren acclaimed as a pioneer in this important & often overlooked field. He is a registered teacher of The Permaculture Institute, a qualified Whole Farm Planner (University of Melbourne), Approved Keyline Designer, & Accredited Permaculture Training (APT) Trainer.

This is Darren's 1st PDC back in Australia after a year travelling the world, teaching extensively in a huge variety of bioregions. Students can expect a swag of new and updated ideas, techniques and information added to Darren's already large array..  GIS, Consulting Processes, Keyline Design, Holistic Management™ and Carbon Farming plus a lot more...

Location & Travel

The course will be held on our demonstration site, south of Mudgee NSW. an easy 4 hour drive from the Sydney CBD or 40 minutes from Mudgee Airport (Airlink or Regional Express).

      Milkwood Farm
      1466 Campbells Creek Rd
      Carcalgong via Mudgee NSW 2850

Please visit our map for the exact location.

Countrylink train services are available to nearby Ilford. Pickups can be provided for a small fee. Please contact us to arrange a pick up.

Bookings

Click here to book your place

A field analysis kit bag containing farmer's level, compass, topographical maps of course site, soil analysis kit and other essential objects will also be available for purchase closer to the date. This kit bag is recommended by Felix Permaculture as containing the essential tools for this course.

Accommodation 

Accommodation for this course is provided in the form of campsites at Milkwood's new camping area, along the shady banks of Campbells Creek. The basic facilities include composting toilet and showers. Breakfast and dinner are provided at the common room in the shearing shed where classes are held.

If you wish to find your own accommodation in the area, keep in mind that Milkwood is 45 minutes drive from Mudgee, and that driving at night will mean lots of contact with wildlife. The closest accommodation is Bushlands Holiday Park at Windeyer, 15 minutes down the road, where cabins and powered campsites are available.

About Milkwood Permaculture

We are a Permaculture demonstration site near Mudgee in Central Western NSW. We provide world-class courses and workshops in a range of sustainable farming practices - all within a relaxed, professional and positive hands-on environment. Have a look at some photos from our previous courses here. Any questions, just give us a call on 02 6373 7763.