Christie Walk EcoCity Development

Hi all, here is a fantastic example of a community getting together and making a difference... right under our noses in the heart of Adelaide CBD!

For those of you who haven't heard of this project, head to their website and have a look.
http://www.urbanecology.org.au/christiewalk/

The quick facts are: "Christie Walk is a medium density co-housing development located in downtown Adelaide which combines many ecologically sustainable and community enhancing features.
It was initiated by Urban Ecology Australia as a demonstration project, to promote nature and people friendly urban development by example."


I was lucky enough to have a tour last week for the grand opening by the Adelaide City Mayor, and I must say it is quite an inspiring project. The houses feel warm and friendly, the open spaces are utilised cleverly and the whole site is covered in native plants and veggie gardens! All in the heart of the city.

Definitely an inspiration for anyone with limited space who wants an earthy and ecological designed lifestyle. I wish all the city apartments could take inspiration from this, instead of the dreary grey blocks of concrete that litter our skylines too often.

Until next post, take care.
-DF-

Working bee pics

Hi all, pictures of the working bee are now updated!

Head here to check them out.

Cheers
-DF-

Website: Aussies Living Simply

Hi all, Halle found this neat little website that might be great place to find inspiration for our ECO group.

http://www.aussieslivingsimply.com.au/news.php

"Welcome to ALS - To Aussies Living Simply
We are a community focused on sustainability, permaculture, organic gardening, backyard livestock, simple living and stepping lightly on the planet."

We'll keep you posted if we find any gems to share with this like-minded group!

Until next post, take care.
-DF-

Event: Prospect Rd Fashion Food and Wine Affair - Sun 15 Nov

Hi all, straight from the Prospect City Council website, comes a fantastic looking event for this weekend.

"Culture, fashion, Fresh FM, live music, delicious food and fabulous wines awaits the expected record breaking crowd attending the 2009 Prospect Road Fashion Food & Wine Affair."

You won't need to ask me twice with an invite like that!

Although not a local southern event, I'm sure there will be plenty of local SA produce to indulge in. Not to mention Halle and I have friends in the area that we are always happy to support.

Hope to see you there!
Until next post, take care.

-DF-

Event: Craft Fair 2009

Hi all, as mentioned by the wonderful Halle, this craft fair is on this weekend.

For details head to the link in this post.
http://www.craftfair.com.au/Adelaide2009/

Until next post.
-DF-

Event update: Sat 31 Oct

Hi all, thanks to everyone who came and helped out! It was a great day of digging and eating.

The garden bed is well on its way to being productive. Dirt will be on its way next week to fill up the hole, and then it will be plant picking time (any suggestions welcome).

***Updated with pictures below:

Highlights of the day have to be the amazing chocolate cookies, and the quiche with freshly laid eggs! Great inspiration to get our own chickens. :)

Thanks again for all your hard work ECO's!

Until next time.
-DF-

Event: Adelaide as a Sustainable City Thu 5th Nov

Hi all, thought I would share this invite with the group:

Adelaide As A Sustainable City

A Free Capital City Committee Forum

Thursday 5 November 2009
1.00pm to 5.00pm
Adelaide Festival Centre (Banquet Room)
King William Road, Adelaide


This is a forum for people interested in the cutting edge of urban sustainability issues – smart grids, electric vehicles, living walls, new building innovations and micro algal fuels. The event is hosted by The Hon Jane Lomax-Smith, MP, Chair of the Capital City Committee and facilitated by Mr Mark Lusis, Sustainability Principal, Parsons Brinkerhoff.

Guest Speakers will be:
- Keynote Speaker, Mr Bruce Taper, Director, Kinesis;
- Senior Researcher, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Ms Nyla Sarwar
- Senior Researcher, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Ms Alina Dini;
- Managing Director, Fifth Creek Studio, Mr Graeme Hopkins; and
- Managing Director, Culshaw Group of Companies, Mr John Culshaw.

Topics will include Green Transport, Smart Grids, Green Roofs and Green Walls, and Sustainable Development.

This is a great opportunity to express your views on the future of our city.


RSVP by Friday 30 October 2009 to Lisa Bianchi on 8226 5025 or CapitalCity@sa.gov.au

Five Hats Winery

Hi all, Halle and I came across this small winery on a day out in McLaren Vale earlier this year and thought I would share it with our fellow vino lovers!

The day started with a random drive past all the big wineries, all with big marquees and big staging setups. This was of course the Sea & Vines Festival and as such, everyone from SA decided to visit! No parking, no room, no wine for us.

Fed up with commercial wineries offering nothing more than brand names and crowd control, we headed back to the main strip where we encountered a hand made sign saying "cheap red".

How could we resist?

Whilst it led to a small tin shed, it turned out to be the best wines we tasted all day.

Their Reserve Shiraz was a nice drop at around $12 per bottle, and liquid gold in the form of aged Port went for $15.

Once we are a little more 'financial' I think a significant case purchase will be on the cards.

The official review will also have to wait until I get my hands on some more bottles.

Until then, support our locals producers and take care.
-DF-

Yankaponga Lamb

Hi all, after years of disappointing supermarket experiences in the meat section, I have decided to move towards the local market. Ironically I found out that I used to work with one the owners of this farm, and as such, I'm quite happy to spruke their produce!

Yankaponga Lamb is (as the name suggests) between Yankallila and Myponga down in the cool south. They make the short trek up to Willunga every Saturday morning for the weekly farmer's markets there, and sell their great range of lamb from roasting legs, to barbeque packs to whole sides (for the adventurous chef... Or butcher perhaps).

For the meat eaters out there (sorry Halle!) this might be a great way to buy in bulk, save some money and support a great local supplier.

I'm currently negotiating costs for a bulk order, so I'll keep the group informed.

If you want to check out their website, mosy on over to http://www.wattlewoodsprings.com.au

Until next post, take care.
-DF-

Article: Gardening

Hi all, I came across this great article in The Advertiser about how Adelaidians are getting back into their gardens, and are keen on producing fresh fruit and veg! Great news, but we already knew all that, didn't we.

Due to copyright, I won't reproduce any of the article here, but will keep a copy available to our friends to read instead.

See you at our next working bee, take care.
-DF-

Baristador Organic Coffee

Hi all, I stumbled across this great website the other day and wanted to share.

Baristador (http://www.baristador.com) sell organic, full flavour, reduced caffeine coffee in beans or pre-ground. Strengths range from full, 70%, 30% or 1% of normal caffeine levels. Great idea for those of us who love the flavour of coffee but need to cut back on the stimulants!

I haven't had a chance to try any out yet, but will be purchasing some of the 30% shortly and will share the experience when I do. Let me know if you are interested in any and we can combine orders.

Until next post, take care.
-DF-

Event: ECOmmunity working bee Sat 31st Oct

UPDATE: details of how the event went here.

Well I know this post is redundant as everyone has been invited already, but I'll put it on the blog for posterity.

This Saturday sees the inaugural ECOmmunity event, hosted by Halle and myself.

Gardening, crafts, food and wine! What more could you want from a glorious Saturday afternoon.

I'll post some pictures of our handy work after the event.

See you there team!
-DF-

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