Transition Town Hervey Bay Update

Sustainable House Day
Transition Town Hervey Bay (TTHB) held a very successful Sustainable House Day last month. There were over 100 visitors to Jeff and Lorene’s house, about 70 visitors to John’s house and about 60 visitors to Ann’s house out at Burrum Heads.

A total of at least 230 separate visits. Well done Ann for organising such a successful day and thanks to Janey for the publicity. This was a great day to meet and talk with people interested in living more sustainably.

There was also information available on the new, interest free Green Loans and flyers from local businesses on things such as PV panels. We still have many flyers and information sheets if you are interested.

Tour de Bay
Get on your bike for the Hervey Bay Community Bank Tour De Bay charity bike ride, Sunday 18 October. Starting from 7am at the Botanic Gardens, there's a cycling route for everyone from beginners to the more experienced.

Finishing at the Botanic Gardens, the whole family can enjoy the community carnival which kicks off at 8.30am.

The carnival will have amusement rides including the Cup and Saucer, baby animals with Old MacDonald’s Farm, Carnival Cafe for Devonshire tea, free games for the children.

Performers for the day include the Kawungan School Skipping Group, the Australian Air League, Nefertiti belly dancers, the Feds Bush Band and the Rock on Social Group. Stalls include Spin ‘n’ Win Tombola with everyone taking home a prize, Sweet & Sour Liquorice, Crafty Candles, Bunnings Face Painting & Balloon Tying, Bicycle User Group to name a few. There will be drumming, puppetry and art and craft workshops.

All proceeds from the day will go towards the new Hervey Bay Community Centre. So get on your bike for the Tour De Bay charity bike ride Sunday October 18th followed by the Hervey Bay Community Carnival.

Entry forms and more information are available on the community centre website site http://www.ourcommunitycentre.com.au/ or phone (07) 4124 3544

Share Your Story!
How easy is it being green? We would like to hear from you about your experiences in sustainability and what it means to you.

Perhaps you are really proud of your school worm farm, dine on your own aquaponic fish and vegetables, or share enormous vegetables from your backyard with family and friends? How are you using your Climate Smart Home Service monitor? Do you have a compost bin at work, or have developed a business sustainability plan?

If you would like to share your experiences and passion to inspire others, please contact Christel Schrank, TTHB Media Officer, on christelhttp://au.mc540.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=christel.schrank@bigpond.com.

Aquaponics at Bay Crest
Fluid Industries, Jet n’ Drain plumbing and Transition Town Hervey Bay have joined forces to install a small aquaponics system at Bay Crest. The fish went in on Friday 9 October and some seedlings have already been planted. This is the easiest form of gardening I have ever practiced and the water efficiency is incredible. In my home system I have grown lush, green lettuce, celery, parsley, strawberries, capsicum, broccoli, water chestnuts and more and I only have to top up the system with 2-3 buckets of water a week. If any one is interested in viewing the Bay Crest system please contact me on Mb: 0434 144 394.

New Media Officer
Welcome to Christel who has taken over the Media Officer role from Janey and many thanks to Janey for all the work and time donated to TTHB. The success of our events is very much a result of the hard work that these good people put into the promotions and it is truly appreciated by the rest of the team.

Solar Power Update
Now is a good time to go solar. On August 20th, the Renewable Energy Target (RET) legislation was passed. This made way for the Solar Credits program, which effectively reduces the purchase cost of a 1.5kW solar system by approximately $6,500, based on recent REC (Renewable Energy Certificates) prices.

TTHB has been approached by GoGreen Solar from Newcastle who asked us to send out the following information:

GoGreen Solar have a room booked at Hervey Bay RSL on 2nd November 6.30pm for Q&A night on the GoGreen Solar Offering, the new Renewable Energy Target legislation and our Sustainable Homes Program. We would like to invite Transition Town and anyone else who may be interested. For our latest sales brochure and Homes Program flyer and any questions you may have please call us on 1300 918 020.

Because it is important to our local economy to support local business I have also asked a local solar installer if a discount would be possible for a bulk buy. We would need a minimum of 8 orders to qualify for a discount so if you are interested please contact me.
So go solar! – get in before the price of electricity increases due to carbon emission reduction and take advantage of the RECs and interest free green loans.

Meetings are held on the last Thursday of every month at Images Training Restaurant, Wide Bay TAFE, Urraween Road. 6.30pm.

Next Meeting October 29. Everyone welcome.

Contact us:
e-mail: http://au.mc540.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=tt_hb@hotmail.com
Mb: 0434 144 394
Web: http://transitionfrasercoast.org.au/