MARGARET River has been awarded official status as a Transition Town under the international UK-based Transition Network.
Transition Margaret River spokesperson Felicity Haynes said the announcement is exciting for the local community network which has been working for over a year on a diverse range of projects.
“Transition is about making changes as we face a world with climate change and running out of cheap fossil fuels,” she said. ’It’s about changing negatives into positive responses that support the community.’
‘It is especially exciting to be the first official Transition initiative in Western Australia We now have access to information and exchange of ideas with over 450 transition groups around the world who are coming together under the Transition Network banner to address issues associated with climate change, peak oil and a variety of economic and environmental pressures.’
Felicity said Transition Margaret River had its beginnings in a grass-roots group called Sustain Margaret River.
‘We decided to change our focus to become Transition Margaret River to become an active part of the global transition movement.
In our first year we have drawn together a growing number of local community groups and individuals to create a network of people who share common interests.’
In its first year the group has hosted film nights, community gatherings and a forum to address the question ‘what are the opportunities for the Margaret River and Capes community to become more resilient in uncertain times?
Ongoing projects include setting up a Local Exchange Trading System (LETS), encouraging productive street verges, sharing organic produce, bike paths and an open art studios event. There are also interests in renewable energy, education, sustainable transport and catchment management.
‘Receiving official status is timely as we are hosting a South West Transition Gathering in Margaret River in December for people interested in these sorts of issues,’ Felicity said. ‘This will be a great opportunity to celebrate, share ideas and create momentum for sustainability across the south west.’
The Gathering will be held on December 14,15 and 16 at Tingrith Meeting House, 24 Hobson Rd. Accommodation is available. A Festival of Forgotten Skills will be held on December 16 at Fair Harvest, 426 Carters Rd. Everybody is welcome.
To find out more see http://meetinghouse.tingrith.com.au/transition-margaret-river or email tingrith63@hotmail.com.
Anyone interested in receiving Transition Margaret River’s monthly email newsletter is invited to email karen.majer1@gmail.com.
