Welcome to Transition Neighbourhood Bell!
Transition Bell represents the residents of Bell Park, Bell Post Hill and the 3215 area - some of the most diverse and multicultural suburbs in the Geelong region.
We are looking forward to building the Transition momentum and preparing 3215 neighbourhoods for a future less dependent on oil and resilient in the face of a changing climate.
Latest News
Transition Bell Logo The Transition Bell Logo will be based on the actual Bell that was used in the area to alert the locals of incoming supply ships and attacks from Koori (Victorian Aboriginal) tribes! The Bell is responsible for the name 'Bell Post Hill'. Kardinia International College currently houses the bell, hence we will be approaching their students to design the logo.
Transition Bell Presentations Andrew will be presenting the Transition Bell Concept to LaMadre Organic Sourdough Bakery on Tuesday July 8th. La Madre is a real jewel in the culinary crown of Bell Park and Bell Post Hill, attracting customers from all around Geelong as well as distributing their bread throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria. Transition Bell wants to make sure local support is strong to ensure LaMadre prospers in a future of more expensive distribution channels. Other upcoming presentations are to the City of Greater Geelong Council, Barwon Regional Waste Management Group, Geelong Organic Gardeners, Geelong Sustainability Group (July 17th) and others.
Transition Bell: the fruit and nut tree neighbourhood of Geelong? Yes, yes, no points for originality here but a recent conversation with fellow Permie Brendan Bolton had the cogs in my head turning... Brendan has just started his new business 'Edible Landscapes' and we were discussing the possibilities of bulk buying fruit trees for mass plantings. I discussed the 'Totnes model' with him and it looks like under the Transition Bell banner Brendan can not only offer fantastic prices for fruit and nut trees, for a small fee he can also plant them (for those not yet game to put boot to shovel!) Watch this space for updates!
Australian Conservation Foundation GreenHome Workshops... Still waiting for confirmation on this one, but it looks like Transition Bell may be hosting the ACF's fantastic GreenHome workshops in early 2009. The ACF certainly offer the most holistic household sustainability workshops going around which fit in nicely with Transition Bell aims.
Transition Bell July/August update:
Andrew presented the Transition Bell concept to the City of Greater Geelong, Barwon Regional Waste Management Group and Introduction to Permaculture course participants at the Vines Road Community Centre. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and the feeling is that now this 'background' awareness raising has begun, it's time to take it to the residents!'''
Andrew met with 'Solar Sister' and Permaculture extraordindaire, Maureen Corbett of the Hepburn Renewable Energy Association on Friday August 8th to discuss a Transition Evening in Daylesford in September. It looks like an international video link up with the movement's founder - Rob Hopkins - may be on the cards!
Household solar PV (photo voltaic) bulk buy opportunity: We have observed the massive growth in bulk buying schemes for solar panels recently. There have been some questions about quality and back up service as many of the companies involved are essentially importing and marketing businesses. Andrew recently met with Aaron Lewtas from the Solar Shop about bulk purchasing quality Japanese Kaneka panels for Transition Bell. It looks like with 20 households on board we can get the supply and installation cost around $3000 per household. The other advantage of partnering with the Solar Shop is that householders aren't $8000 out of pocket waiting for rebates - they simply pay the balance amount on installation. However, we need to act in this month as it looks like the Federal government rebates are running out fast...
Household solar hot water bulk buy opportunity:''' Having just had his new solar hot water system fitted, Andrew is keen to let other people that the system itself cost nothing with installation being the only expense. AAE (Auscorp Alternative Energy - suppliers of highly efficient evacuated tube systems) are keen to talk to Transition Bell residents over the coming months.
Congratulations to LaMadre Bakery who scooped the Small Business Award in the Geelong Advertiser Business Excellence Awards ceremony held on 23 July 2008. Plus they've also released their new website: LaMadre Earth:
''Here at La Madre, we're as conscious of our impact on the environment as we are about making the perfect loaf of bread. That's why we've set up La Madre Earth to demonstrate our promise to sustainable baking and business practices. We've got a long way to go but we're working hard to make sure that all aspects of our business are analysed and more environmentally friendly measures are implemented where possible.
Keep up with our progress at www.lamadreearth.com.au and let us know your thoughts! ''
Transition Bell - The fruit and nut tree neighbourhood of Geelong: Anyone that would like to source fruit and nut trees please let us know as we may be able to leverage some better pricing for buying in bulk. You don't need a massive front or back yard and trees can be pruned to stay a manageable size, even if they're not dwarf varieties.
Website coming soonish!
For more information contact Andrew Lucas alucas@surfcoast.vic.gov.au or call 0438 160 541