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C500 inspires "Fortune 20" in Tarrangower … and then Newstead is inspired by Tarrangower … and then …

Castlemaine 500 has created many “splashes” in the past 12 months. What “ripples” have been created and how much has C500 influenced local people to do stuff? In other words … what IMPACT is C500 having?

Like in complexity theory, it is impossible to predict the impact that behaviour change projects (like C500) will have on people and surrounding communities. Stories are about the only thing we can rely on. Enjoy!

Tarrangower’s Fortune 20

I was absolutely driven and determined to be a part of the Castlemaine 500 program the day I saw the first article about it, even though I realised I was out of the project’s area.

With the C500 project happening just down the road and other forces (such as Stern Report on Climate Change) I decided to apply for the C500 Community Development Program. 

The Community Development program then gave me the opportunity to build my skills and confidence and bring it to Maldon. “Finally!” I thought. “Here is my chance to be pro active and help bring change to my own community.”

To be amongst like-minded people in that C500 training program was such a huge relief. We learned many skills and gained great knowledge in areas like behaviour change and facilitation of groups. Part of the C500 Community Development Program required us to run a Community Conference with Geoff and Russell of the C500 Team.  That was inspiring, there were 100 people there! It gave me heart and direction. It could be done.

A Wine and Cheese celebration in Maldon gave me the opportunity to have an information stall about climate change during those festivities, AND to advertise the Tarrangower 20 workshops. Fourteen people, twelve households, signed up for the 2 x 2hr Home Energy Smart workshops. We were off!

My anxiety meant that I was ridiculously over prepared, every breath was timed. Twelve turned up the first night, with ages ranging from 25 to 72 years old. The more mature participants added a valuable dimension, such as the thermal qualities of newspaper, to keep fruit, vegies and drinks cool and to keep humans warm, under sheets and between blankets.  My timing fell apart when the Mayor gate crashed, but there is no doubt, his enthusiasm for our goal of reducing energy consumption and so emissions, made everyone in the room feel good. Fourteen people arrived for the second session, and we now share our latest energy saving strategies if we meet in the street. I was relieved when it was over, but after this test run, I feel confident enough now to run more workshops next year.

The Maldon community has embraced with open arms the recent program of installing 9000 CFLs in homes, the footy club are getting PV's to feed back to the grid and the Folk Festival have taken the first step towards the Festival becoming carbon neutral by encouraging the businesses and organisations involved to purchase 100% GreenPower for the 4 days of the Festival. I've got a feeling the chrysalis is moving and one source could probably go back to the impetus and confidence that being involved with C500 gave me.

One thing I notice that has changed for others in my own community is that people are more willing to talk about the possibility of reducing energy consumption. The conversation has begun!

Newstead catches on!

I had read in the local paper about Castlemaine 500, and I was keen to participate.  Unfortunately it did not extend to the smaller towns in the Mount Alexander Shire.  

I then heard that a resident of Maldon was also inspired by the C500 project and decided to pursue the matter by volunteering her time to bring it to Maldon herself.  It was the inspiration I needed to do the same as I am already a qualified work place trainer and have dealt with training groups before. 

Wendy French was a terrific example of motivation, commitment and action.

Geoff Brown of the C500 Project was a great support, giving me resources, impromptu training sessions, and prompt responses to my queries. 

Since beginning this exciting journey, I have grown in confidence with the ability to 'make things happen'!  The ground swell of support to help small communities to become more aware of sustainability and our role in energy expenditure is rapidly growing. 

My first energy workshop will begin just after Christmas, but already I have managed to establish a small group of enthusiastic individuals committed to helping our own community.  This gathering of fine folk is officially titled "Newstead Pro Action Group".  Our first official meeting will be held on the 1st. of November at the local R.T.C. and will be a session of brainstorming ideas, and forming a process of action. 

Firstly we are looking to source local speakers on topics such as raising chickens, growing drought tolerant gardens, seed collecting, vegetable growing, organics, mud brick housing, composting etc.....there is a wealth of talent, skills and knowledge already amongst us that we wish to utilize, along with aiding in the esteem of the locals.   

Also to be brainstormed is what resources are available to us.  From local sources of animal manure, rocks for garden beds, to the more complex issues of funding and workshops.  All ideas will be welcome.

Finally, projects for our community will be discussed, such as a kitchen garden for the primary school, a renewable wood lot using council land, a bartering system for goods and services amongst N.P.A.G. members, a Co-op food shed, day trips to workshops, festivals and food warehouses, an honour role for volunteer groups and individuals who have achieved outstanding work in our community to be read on Australia day.....the list goes on!

A strong community spirit is being fostered and all thanks to the example originally set by Castlemaine 500 and Maldon’s Fortune 20.  A big thank you to Geoff Brown and Wendy French for their initiative and support.  In this changing world, our small corner that is Newstead, is looking forward with hope and enthusiasm for a future that is cleaner, caring and more connected. 

No one can accurately predict what is to come, but staying positive and active is a good antidote to feeling powerless, blessings to us all.

Cindy Leech
Newstead

Disclaimer

The information and recommendations outlined in this WEBSITE is concerned mainly with providing guidance with respect to how a registered Castlemaine 500 household might be able to reduce energy consumption in their homes.  The information presented in the WEBSITE is derived from various sources and is understood to be correct and appropriate at the time of preparation.  However, the information may not be error free and may not be appropriate for a particular purpose should household circumstances, requirements, priorities or circumstances beyond the control of the Castlemaine 500 Project Team/Third Ecology (climatic patterns, client behaviour and expectations etc) create a different context in which original assumptions and decisions were based.  Householders should ensure that they are satisfied with the particular details and appropriateness of all areas of guidance and with respect to any involving the installation of ‘products’, their installation should comply with current Australian Standards, the Building Code of Australia and local authority requirements.  The Castlemaine 500 Project Team/Third Ecology accepts no liability whatsoever to any person for injury, loss or damage that may arise in connection with any use or reliance on the information.