sustainable e-news 27 sept 07
Posted on 2 October 2007 by e-news
MASG NEWS
Solar Applications: MASG has been assisting schools and community groups submit applications for very generous state and federal government rebates that are available for the installation of solar panels. There are also very generous rebates available for individuals to install solar panels on their houses. There has never been a better time to invest in solar technology and MASG is available for any assistance required with the rebate applications. Applications can be downloaded from www.greenhouse.gov.au/rebates. Please contact Jayson on 5470 6978 or jayson@masg.org.au
Solar Cooker Making one-day workshops- 8th and 11th October 2007: U3A and MASG have joined forces to present two one-day workshops on Monday 8th and Thursday 11th October, during Senior Citizen’s Week. Workshop numbers are restricted to 10 people each day. Any senior citizen may book with Grace on 5472 1128 or email jillandgrace@bigpond.com Cost is $4 a head. Most materials and lunch will be provided. Bookings essential. A folder of notes with full details and things to bring will be available at the U3A Coffee Morning on Friday 5th October at the Uniting Church Hall from 10 am, or from MASG from Tuesday 2nd Oct.
Ride To Work: This year Ride (and walk) to Work Day on Wednesday October 17th is being organised by MASG and will be much bigger than ever before. Already around 30 local businesses are supporting it with sponsorship and advertising as well as employee involvement in many cases. Some are also supplying food. So dust off the old treadley or polish up the walking shoes and come for breakfast in Victory Park between 6am and 10am. Jill Gibson and her hard working crew need extra help between now and the big day. You can contact Jill on 5472 3094 or 0409 404 791.
Finding Our Power: The MASG open space technology event is getting closer and we really need to start compiling a list of willing volunteers to help out during the event. It is to be held at the Community Creek Community Centre on the 19-20th of October. We need 2 People with a good knowledge of setting up and operating computers and another 4 people with admin skills and in particular, photocopying experience. These duties are important to the success of the event and provide a great opportunity for interested individuals to be directly involved in a very exciting community event. Please contact Jayson on 5470 6978 or jayson@masg.org.au
MASG’s Renewable Expo (9-10 Nov) is really starting to take shape. One of Australia’s leading experts on Renewable Energy, Dr Mark Diesendorf has agreed to come down from the University of NSW to give the keynote address on Friday night 9th November. Solahart, one of Australia’s leading suppliers of solar water heaters, will be one of the major exhibitors. To make the expo the success, willing volunteers are needed to help before and during the event. Please contact Jayson on 5470 6978 or jayson@masg.org.au
Open House: An 81 sq.metre home and new garden at 13A Yeats Street, Castlemaine will be open to the public on Saturday 10th November from 10 am to 4 pm. It is 5 star rated, but as yet has no solar system installed. Rob and Christiana Colquhon, from Prebuilt Solutions, Kilsyth will speak at 12 noon and will stay till 2 pm to answer questions. Entry $3 to support Aghan Women and children.
Come a try some Irish Soda Bread. For any queries, ring Jill or Grace on 5472 1128 or jillandgrace@bigpond.com
MASG’s Theatre Royal Fundraiser: “Cyclists’ Big Night Out” will be held at the Theatre Royal on Friday November 16th. A showing of the classic film The Bicycle Thief, preceded by some wonderful entertainment, will make this a memorable night for all sorts of cyclists: road riders, mountain bikers, commuters and those of us who are looking for a good excuse to start leaving the Holden at home. Tickets at $20 and $16 concession are available at the MASG office and are expected to sell fast. All money raised will go towards our work on more sustainable transport in the Shire, especially bike use.
International TV: The Australian Network (AN) was filming in Castlemaine last Friday the 20th. Executive producer Bernadette Nunn was amazed at the number of people and organisations involved in projects to tackle climate change. The AN filmed children at Castlemaine North Primary School, a house involved in the Castlemaine 500, and the popular Castlemaine Cellars who are involved in the business energy efficiency LOCO2 project. They will be returning in a few weeks to record another show on how the main industries in town are working with the CSIRO to reduce their emissions. The Australian Network is the satellite arm of the ABC which broadcasts programs into SE Asia.
New National Mandatory Renewable Energy Target: Minister Turnbull was interviewed on ABC Radio earlier this week following the Federal Government’s announcement of an expansion of their previous Mandatory Renewable Energy scheme. Hopefully the 15% target will be trumpted by other major parties in the lead up to the election.
OTHER NEWS AND EVENTS not endorsed by MASG
Ceres Workshop: Come along next weekend to the CERES Community Food Systems Workshop on Sunday the 7th October from 10am to 4pm. Explore the range of different localised food systems and their environmental, economic and social benefits. This workshop is great for those who are looking to create sustainable local food projects. Chris Ennis will be teaching the course.
CERES: Cnr Roberts and Stewart Streets, Brunswick East, Victoria
Ph: (03) 9387 2609
Email: reception@ceres.org.au
Dr David Suzuki, live via video conference from Canada: “Can We Avoid the Looming Ecological Armageddon?” Thursday 25 October, 2007 at 12.30pm, McKay Lecture Theatre & Circular Lecture Theatre. La Trobe University, Edwards Rd, Bendigo, RSVP essential – Enquiries: Sally Routledge – 5444 7374, s.routledge@latrobe.edu.au
All welcome to attend this free lecture.
Biodiesel: Audi are planning to win next year’s Le Mans race with a biodiesel powered vehicle.
There was also an event staged in Sydney this year featuring supertrucks run on Biodiesel.
Letter to the Editor: Good to see our members actively involved in the environmental debate. For an interesting submission see the The Age.
House for Rent: Lisa Mitchell has a house for rent – 3 bed house on 3 tranquil acres at Vaughan. Recently painted inside & out,all new appliances, 900 natives planted last month. Long or short term . $200 p.w. ( negotiable for the right, caring, environmentally conscious tenants). Available now. Contact Lisa 03 54734542 or email theoldschoolteachershouse@gcom.au
Dr Karl: The climate change coalition has recruited Dr Karl Kruszelnicki to run as a senate candidate in the upcoming election.
We would also like to thanks Dr Karl for this week’s quote:
“Life is not meaningless, it just has a very low signal to noise ratio.”
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