Nap-in challenge awards 15 May 2012

Workplace Nap Challenge:  Last week the results of the nap challenge - to take 2 powernaps a week for 2 weeks, were tallied.

Partaking in the challenge were: Kevin Doye Kombu, Mandy TraynorGO4 Media, Guy Saddleton, G S Real Estate, Nicole Rowsell

Burrows Child Care Centre, Dan Maher Affirmations, Jane Eales Council, Jason Brown No. 5 Church St,  Steve Doyle Bellingen Solar, Jason Johns

Uniting Church, and late but keen participant RosemaryStevens, Emporium

And the winner was ... Mandy Traynor, of GO4 media for consistency plus.. who used the local Nap Zzone to take her bi-weekly mini-sieasta. 

SPECIAL Mentions went to  ... 

Highest Number of Naps:  Guy Saddleton  9 naps all up , followed by Dan Maher with 7  (both are the boss with a couch in their office and a door they can close and as well.)

Most challenging conditions :  Nicole Rowsell with only half an hour for lunch, followed by Jason, no. 5 – start up café 

Positive Role modelling award.  Jane Eales

Progressive Minister Award: Jason for opening up his church for us to take a lie down

Culture Jamming Award: goes to everyone … it really is a counter cultural pose to strike, when you take a nap at work so thanks for being at the forefront of this culture-changing movement. 

Transition Bellingen News 25 May 2012

Transition Bellingen News

Transition Bellingen News 18 May 2012

Bellingen River Festival will be held in November 2012 and planning is under way. It is important that funding can be confirmed so that the size and scope of the festival can be determined.

Please let us know if you can make a contribution, money or in kind, no matter how large or small by Friday 25 May by emailing transitionbellingen@gmail.com or phoning  Vicki on 6655 9715.

Vicki has already received $600 from 7 businesses.

To remind you of how amazing the 2011 festival was, go to parade for Solveig's photos of the lantern making and the parade

TODAY HURRY TO THE NAP-IN CHALLENGE AWARDS AT 12.45PM AT NO 5 CHURCH STREET

Thursday 24 May - Permaculture Collective mnc Food Exchange outside Kombu 10.30am to 12.30pm - click on exchange

 

Transition Network News Letter May 2012 click on News 

Other news

Bellofoodbox - providers of local food - click on Foodbox to see this weeks newsletter  

Tuesday 22 May - Film Night at No 5 Church Street about biodynamic farm practices - "One Man, One Cow, One Planet" see film  for details 

Saturday 2 June - Bellingen High School Community Garden High School Open Day  click 

  

 here for full size poster

Saturday 2 June at Brierfield  - Transform your farm with Biodynamics -   click on workshop for Demeter course

Friday 8 June at Hydes Creek  - Biodynamics in the Home Orchard click home orchard on for course by Biodynamics Agriculture Australia - headquarters in Bellingen

Saturday 9 June at Thora -  Demeter Bio-Dynamics Field Day at Thora  click on Field Day for details 

Friday June 8 Registration -  Trash to Treasure for beautiful poster and registration information click on T2T   

Saturday 28 July  - Bellingen Energy Festival go to http://www.bef.org.au/

Community Groups: Click here to find information about the many local networks and discussion/support groups.

Information on "Intimacy Circle" has been added this week.

Thursday 24 May Bellingen Business Divas Network Biggest Morning Tea go to  Diva News 

The Transition Bellingen web site address is  http://transitionbellingen.org 

Expressions of Interest for Bellingen River Festival 2012

Sponsoship for River Festival 2012

Questionnaire on criteria and responses

Questionnaire sent out on 24 April 2012 


We have had an increasing amount of requests from various groups and individuals in our community to pass on notifications of various meetings, events, and causes via this email list. We are beginning to be a little bit challenged by all these requests, as we feel that you signed up to our mailing list in order to hear specifically about Transition events, and we don't want to flood your inbox with emails. 

Perhaps you have noticed that you ordinarily receive one email from us per week, usually on a Friday - which lists first all events connected directly to Transition Bellingen, and then other events. We have tried to limit these other events by using the following criteria: (1) local initiatives that will help make our community more resilient in the face of shocks such as peak oil, climate change and financial crisis, and (2)  initiatives from community-based, not-for-profit groups whose work is relevant to this goal, and that do not publicise commercial or party political initiatives.

But it often more complicated than that. Here is an example: Yesterday, we received a request to urgently publicise an event on Lyme Disease which is happening this  Thursday (2 days time). Do we send it out at all - it is local and it is non-profit and it is about resilience, albeit not directly connected to climate change, etc. Do we send it out immediately or don't we? Well, in this case we are being creative - we are sending out the notification  - but we are also taking the opportunity to ask for your feedback about what you think about this.

Specifically:
(1) Do you want TB emails to be specifically about TB connected events, or do you want us to continue to include notifications of other events that fit our criteria as listed above?
(2) Would you prefer getting an email from us once a week, or would you mind  getting more emails from us mid-week if necessary?
(3) Do you have any comment on our criteria as listed above?


Results


Responses from 10% of recipients


Of those answering the questionnaire, most were happy for us to decided what should be included and to judge if urgent an email should be sent out, before the next Friday Transition Bellingen News


Send out urgent email - 81%


Only send out Transition Bellingen News items - 13%


Send out all relevant other news using own judgement/criteria - 87%

Transition Bellingen News - review of frequency and content

Dear TB supporter.

We would love your feedback on something that is perplexing us.

We have had an increasing amount of requests from various groups and individuals in our community to pass on notifications of various meetings, events, and causes via this email list. We are beginning to be a little bit challenged by all these requests, as we feel that you signed up to our mailing list in order to hear specifically about Transition events, and we don't want to flood your inbox with emails.

Perhaps you have noticed that you ordinarily receive one email from us per week, usually on a Friday - which lists first all events connected directly to Transition Bellingen, and then other events. We have tried to limit these other events by using the following criteria: (1) local initiatives that will help make our community more resilient in the face of shocks such as peak oil, climate change and financial crisis, and (2)  initiatives from community-based, not-for-profit groups whose work is relevant to this goal, and that do not publicise commercial or party political initiatives.

But it often more complicated than that. Here is an example:  we received a request to urgently publicise an event on Lyme Disease which was happening before the next issue of our newsletter . Do we send it out at all - it is local and it is non-profit and it is about resilience, albeit not directly connected to climate change, etc. Do we send it out immediately or don't we? Well, in this case we are being creative - we are sending out the notification  - but we are also taking the opportunity to ask for your feedback about what you think about this.

Specifically:
(1) Do you want TB emails to be specifically about TB connected events, or do you want us to continue to include notifications of other events that fit our criteria as listed above?
(2) Would you prefer getting an email from us once a week, or would you mind  getting more emails from us mid-week if necessary?
(3) Do you have any comment on our criteria as listed above?

If you have gotten this far, thanks for reading - we look forward to hearing back from you with whatever you have to say.

Yours, in the spirit of transition,

David and Lisa, on behalf of the Transition Bellingen hub

Take the Nap challenge 16 April to 11 May 2012

Nap Challenge

Workplace Nap Challenge

work smarter, not harder

Monday April 16^th to Friday May 11^th, 2012 Bellingen

No matter what your profession, personal sustainability is essential to your livelihood.

So why not try the powernap as a potent source of ‘renewable energy’

and a proven performance enhancing practice?

The Challenge:  Powernap (i.e for up to 25 minutes) TWICE A WEEK for 3 WEEKS

at the Nap Zzone, St Andrews Church, Hyde Street or in a space that suits you.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t sleep. You just need to stop, lie down and take a break.

Why?  Research shows that a nap as brief as 10 minutes can:

Alleviate tiredness and increase alertness

Improve mood and concentration

Reduce workplace errors and accidents.

Evidence-base aside … the mini-siesta offers sweet relief from being “on” all the time. 

Participating in the challenge is an opportunity to:

·       train yourself in the habit of taking a brief energy-boosting  break during your working day, rather than simply pushing on despite fatigue, or relying on artificial stimulation to get you through the afternoon

·        help re-shape our Western work culture into one that recognises the mini-siesta as a smart and socially acceptable practice. 

TO REGISTER: 

Choose 3 weeks within the designated month for your challenge, then contact Thea O’Connor to sign up and for further details. enquiries@thea.com.au, 0412 190 860. FEE: $4 (for starter nap kit)

The Nap Zzzone at Still Point, St Andrews is a collaboration between Transition Bellingen and the Uniting Church in support of human beings (versus human doings). The Bellingen Chamber of Commerce supports NapNow! as a sustainable and tangible benefit for business owners, managers and staff. Transition Bellingen supports NapNow! as part of a larger social movement building community resilience and exploring sustainable ways of living now, and in the future.  

NAPNOW is a cultural change movement designed to normalise the mini-siesta in our work culture www.thea.com.au/nappingproject

Nap Zzzzone at STILLPOINT (St Andrews Church) from Monday 12 March 2012

Press Release

Opening of the Nap Zzzone at ‘StillPoint’

This week Transition Bellingen in collaboration with the Uniting Church opened ‘StillPoint’ - a silent zone at St Andrews Church, where people can come and stop, rest, reflect and recharge. 

“Many people say they would love to take a brief nap mid afternoon at work, but just don’t have a place to do so.  Or they fear it’s a socially unacceptable habit, so push on despite their fatigue,” says Thea O’Connor of Transition Bellingen.  “Well here’s a public space available for anyone who wants to take a few minutes out of their routine to recharge their batteries. Research demonstrates that an afternoon nap as short as ten minutes will increase alertness, improve mood and reduce workplace errors, so it’s a very smart thing to do.”

The Nap Zzzzone at Stillpoint is open Monday to Wednesdays, 12 to 3 pm so will be available during the post-lunch dip.  Blanket and pillows are provided, but you might want to bring an eye mask or ear plugs.  Transition Bellingen is supporting the project, recognising that personal sustainability is just as important for creating a resilient vibrant community as environmental sustainability. 

Any type of silent practice is welcome so there will be a space for meditation, prayer or simply sitting as well as a lying-down space for nappers.  “Times of silent meditation, contemplation and prayer are acknowledged to be important in all spiritual traditions,” says Rev Dr Jason John, who is really pleased to see the historical church opened up for community use.   “These practices are simple but take considerable discipline.  Practicing in the company of others sometimes helps.” 

StillPoint will be reviewed after a three-month period so if you’d like to see such a space become part of our community come and have a lie down!   

Contact: enquiries@thea.com.au

Transition Bellingen World Cafe 15 February 2012

Transition Bellingen WORLD CAFÉ summary – 15 February, 2012

(Held at No. 5 Church Street – approx. 70 people participating through the evening)

“If we have done a good job “transitioning” our community, what will it look like in 2020?

(Each table shared their “most exciting” ideas with the whole group – which were written up on a large piece of butcher paper. Categories added by me.)

(FOOD SUPPLY)

Massive daily produce market

Eating seasonally

Edible landscapes

Raw milk

Massive seed bank

(ECONOMICS)

Viable local employment

Well paid jobs for all who want them

Well established barter system

(PUBLIC SPACES)

Car-free CBD

Better public spaces

(TRANSPORT)

Cycle ways everywhere

Safer roads

More bikes

Light rail to Coffs etc

Better public transport

(BEHAVIOUR/HABITS)

“Me” turning to “We”

Habits change

Less consumerism=less waste

Time rich

More happy people

Connections between all

More communication

Holding on to things that are good and that we cherish

(GOVERNANCE)

Local self-governance

Respect between Council and community

More independent thinking and acting – breaking the law included

“Law” or “Lore”?

(GENERATIONAL RELATIONS)

Children teaching adults

Intergenerational care

Eco-Aged care facility

(HEALTH)

Affordable alternative health care

(ENERGY)

Solar energy

(HOUSING)
Shared spaces

Safe accommodation for all

Sustainable housing

Co-housing

Efficient housing

(BIODIVERSITY)

No cows in the river

More birds

Taking care of and treasuring our natural world and it’s creatures

(CULTURE)

Maintain and nurture arts and creativity

World cafe 15 February 2012

World Cafe at No 5 Church St - photographs at TB events pictures
links on World Cafe concept

www.transitionnetwork.org/tools/connecting/community-brainstorming-tools

Short, colourful, to the point
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvXHsTHRCkw&feature=related

http://www.theworldcafe.com/history.html

Nap in picnic and nap at Uniting Church at 1pm on Thursday 8 December 2011

Bellingen ‘Nap Central’ – vote lying down

It’s mid afternoon, and that post-lunch wave of weariness makes your eyes grow heavy and brain activity come dangerously close to zero.  Do you reach for a coffee or hit of chocolate?   Well, soon Bellingen might have another solution available for the afternoon slump that’s highly effective, 100 percent natural, and takes no effort at all: a powernap, or pleasure nap, at Bellingen’s ‘Nap Central’ (working name only).     

Transition Bellingen recognises that personal sustainability is a cornerstone of community resilience, and is currently exploring the possibility of creating a public nap space for the local community.  So on Thursday 8^th December you are invited to come and share a picnic lunch, 1 pm, at the Uniting Church followed by a nap in St Andrews Church at 1.30 pm.  You’ll then be invited to give feedback about the concept, and be back at work by 2 pm.  And that’s the beauty of the brief nap - it’s such a time-efficient renewable energy practice.  Research shows it can improve your mood and productivity, alleviate tiredness, increase alertness and reduce errors made at work in as little as ten minutes. 

When Transition Bellingen conducted a visioning process with the community in 2009, one of the themes that arose was a desire to protect Bellingen’s sane pace of life where you don’t have to be ‘on’ all the time.

“The idea is that ‘Nap Central’ would offer a quiet stop-over for body, mind and soul, where people can come and take a few minutes out of their routine to rest, reflect and recharge. The space could be suitable for quiet contemplation, as well as napping,” says Thea O’Connor, member of Transition Bellingen. “Many people love the idea of a mini-siesta but don’t feel there’s cultural support for it, or simply lack a lie-down zone at their workplace. This is about saying - it’s a really smart thing to do, to restore your energy (fatigue can be as dangerous as intoxication), so here’s a supervised, peaceful place where you can do it.  It’s also about fostering community resilience, for when we stop and reflect we are more likely to discover creative solutions and make wise decisions. ”

Public Nap Space Trial: Thursday, December 8^t,h

1 pm: BYO picnic lunch open to all, Uniting Church lawns 1.30 pm:15 min Nap Bring Pillow.  1.45 pm: Debrief and discussion. Contact: transitionbellingen@gmail.com

N.B. Naps of all types welcome: power naps, pleasure naps, lying down naps or sitting naps, long ones, short ones - even loud snoring ones.

If you missed the Radio National, Health Report program featuring the Bellingen Nap-In, go to: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/healthreport/yawning-gulf-napping-feature/3583154

FREE MARKET held on first Sunday of the month

Bellingen FREEMARKET at Showgrounds on 1st Sunday of the month, starting at 2pm
GIVE and TAKE or just GIVE or just TAKE

or drink chai with everyone

Cost: Gold coin donation

How: Bring (or just browse) any pre-loved gifts, excess produce from your garden, skills to share, toys, books, clothes, furniture, yummies to share and place in a designated spot in the hall; then enjoy looking around for new treasures. If you grab it -its yours

Requirement: Be responsible: Take home any of your things that have been left.

Be respectful: Free Market is not a dumping place for your belongings.

For photographs of free market on 4 December 2011 click on
 http://tbeventspics.blogspot.com/2011/12/free-market-held-on-sunday-4-december.html

Permaculture MNC movie night November 2011

Movie Night

Report and Program for the River Festival on Saturday 29 October 2011

Bellingen River Festival article in Courier Sun

Bellingen Local Food Exchange fortnightly starting Thursday 27 October 2011

The Bellingen Local Food Exchange is an initiative of the Permaculture Collective (MNC).

The collective was formed in 2011, and nestles under the umbrella of Transition Bellingen.

River Festival 29 October 2011

River Festival

River Festival - Lotus lantern workshop 22/23 October 2011

Lotus Lantern Making Workshops on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October 2011

Transition Bellingen article Origin of the River festival

River Festival

Archive of past events

Scroll Down for Past Events

Re-skilling Workshop - Introductory Beekeeping Sunday 25 September 2011

Re-skilling Workshop - Introductory Beekeeping  
Sunday 25 September 2011 9am - 1pm


Course was  full - but postponed because of rain  

Participate in taking apart a hive; identify queen, drones and workers. Learn the basics of keeping your own hive/s. Discussion around native bee species, pollination and food security.
Notes and resource list provided. 

Bellingen Seed Savers host Jude and Michel Fanton 17/18 September 2011

The  founders of the Seedsavers Network, Jude and Michel Fanton came to Bellingen to present

Film and discussion on Saturday 17 September 2011

Workshop at Gleniffer on Sunday 18 September 2011

Bellingen Seed Savers at the Spring Plant Fair 10 September 2011

The Bellingen Seed savers stall was visited by more than 400 people, taking away seeds and plant material.

The many volunteers at the stall  were run of their feet for  more than six hours.

Energy Festival 3 September 2011

The Transition Bellingen stand at the Energy Festival presented the development of the Transition Initiative ion Bellingen.

The displays included Bellingen Seed Savers and a pictorial history of past events.

The main attraction was the invitation to take a nap, progressing the personal resilience project of "NAP-IN".

Ways of reducing energy usage was demonstrated by a model showing the value of shadecloth - reducing temperature in room by 5 degrees C, and the use of a pyrolisis cooking stove.

photographs at  Transition Bellingen Events Photographs

Compost Making Workshop Sunday 24 July 2011

Reskilling Workshop - Compost Making at North Bank Gardens on 

Sunday 24 July 2011 - Compost Making 9am - 1pm

Learn the art of making black gold! A hands-on workshop that will allow you to discover the magic of compost making. we'll cover different methods of makingf and maintaining a happy and happening compost heap.


for photographs click  here 

Australia's First Nap-In 28 June 2011

Thirty people attended the Nap-In at Bellingen Library on 28 June 2011, enjoyed and benefited from the experience.

photograph at Transition Bellingen events photographs

Reskillling workshop - Jam and Conserve Making Sunday 26 June 2011

A very successful workshop was held at North Farm Hydes creek attended by 10 excited participants.

They came away full of enthusiasm and imbued with new skills.

for photos of the workshop click here

Re-skilling workshop - Organic Gardening

for photographs of the worksload click here

Bellingen Seed Savers Gathering Thursday 7 April 2011

FREE MARKET 3 APRIL 2011

Build you own Solar Hydrator - 27 March 2011

Everyone attending built their own solar dryer and left happily to start making healthy treats for their families. 

They will be able to enjoy seasonal produce for many months after they have picked it or bought it

for photos click here 

Edible Streetscapes celebration 26 March 2011

Dana Lyons Concert - 23 March 2011

Cinema in the Park "Tapped" Sunday 21 November 2010

Seed Savers Gathering at Newee Creek on 4 November 2010

Fiona at Gecko Gold Coast 20 October 2010

Cinema in the Church - Food Inc - Sunday 17 October 2010

Cinema - The Yes Men Fix the World - Sunday 26 September 2010

Sustainable Building Forum Water on Wednesday 22 September 2010

Community Visioning Workshops from 11 September 2010

Sustainable Building Forum Building Design 28 July 2010

Bellingen Seed Savers Gathering on 1 July 2010

Suatainable Building Forum on 30 June 2010