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%
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
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
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
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Take the Nap challenge 16 April to 11 May 2012
Nap Challenge
Workplace Nap Challenge
work smarter, not harder
Monday April 16th to Friday May 11th, 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
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
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!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
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
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
Thursday, February 2, 2012
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
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
Friday, December 9, 2011
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 8th 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 8t,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
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
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
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.
http://tbeventspics.blogspot.com/2011/12/free-market-held-on-sunday-4-december.html
Monday, November 14, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Report and Program for the River Festival on Saturday 29 October 2011
Bellingen River Festival article in Courier Sun
Thursday, October 27, 2011
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.
The collective was formed in 2011, and nestles under the umbrella of Transition Bellingen.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
River Festival - Lotus lantern workshop 22/23 October 2011
Lotus Lantern Making Workshops on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Re-skilling Workshop - Introductory Beekeeping Sunday 25 September 2011
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.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
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
Film and discussion on Saturday 17 September 2011
Workshop at Gleniffer on Sunday 18 September 2011
Sunday, September 11, 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.
The many volunteers at the stall were run of their feet for more than six hours.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
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
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
Sunday, July 24, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
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
Monday, June 27, 2011
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.
They came away full of enthusiasm and imbued with new skills.
for photos of the workshop click here
Monday, May 23, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Monday, March 28, 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.
for photos click here
