Can you help us build a sustainable future?

We need your help!

Would you like to be a part of something truly transformative? Join us in creating a sustainable permaculture property where nature thrives and knowledge flourishes.

 Imagine a space where flora and fauna coexist in harmony, where workshops on sustainability, permaculture, and the importance of diverse planting inspire and educate.

This is more than just a dream—it's a project we’re passionate about, and with your support, we aim to bring it to life by 2027. Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a world of difference. Can you spare just $2 to help us turn this vision into reality?

Together, we can build a future where nature and community grow hand in hand with purpose and vision.

The primary purpose is to establish a sustainable permaculture property in Maleny that serves as a model for regenerative agriculture, education, and community resilience. Imagine a thriving ecosystem where nature and community coexist harmoniously, producing food, nurturing wildlife, and educating future generations on sustainable living. 

This property will not only sustain itself but regenerate the land, promoting biodiversity and restoring natural ecosystems. The property will offer workshops, training, and hands-on experiences in permaculture, sustainable farming, and environmental stewardship. It will serve as a community hub, offering volunteer opportunities, local produce, and a space for collaboration on sustainability projects. 

The positive effects on soil health, water conservation, and carbon sequestration will be diverse. Permaculture practices have been proven to turn degraded land into a fertile, self-sustaining ecosystems. This project will not only benefit the local community, such as increased access to fresh, organic produce, and educational programs that empower individuals to adopt sustainable practices but will also be the footprint for further regenerative programs. 

Imagine a lush, thriving permaculture property nestled in a vibrant, green landscape. Over the years, this property will evolve into a living example of sustainable living, where every element works in harmony with nature. The gardens will be abundant with diverse crops, grown without the use of harmful chemicals. Fruit trees, native plants, and wildflowers creating a rich tapestry of life, attracting bees, butterflies, and birds, all contributing to a balanced ecosystem. The soil, once barren and compacted, will now be rich and fertile, teeming with life thanks to regenerative practices like composting, mulching, and the use of natural fertilizers. Rainwater harvesting systems will capture every drop of water, which is carefully managed and recycled, ensuring the property remains resilient even during dry seasons. Solar panels and wind turbines generate clean energy, reducing the property's carbon footprint to almost zero. Buildings made from natural and reclaimed materials blend seamlessly into the environment, providing comfortable, energy-efficient spaces for living, working, and teaching. As the years pass, this property will become more than just a farm—it’s a hub of education and inspiration. Workshops, tours, and community events draw people from near and far, eager to learn about sustainable practices and take those lessons back to their own communities. The property serves as a model for other landowners, showcasing how sustainability can be both practical and beautiful.

Why Maleny?

Maleny, with its rolling hills and deep-rooted history of environmental stewardship, has always been a town where nature and community thrive together. Since its early days, Maleny has been a haven for those who value a close connection to the land, drawing settlers who sought a life of simplicity, sustainability, and cooperation. The town's rich soil and temperate climate nurtured not just crops, but a culture of environmental consciousness that has only deepened over the decades. This sustainable permaculture property is a continuation of Maleny's legacy. It reflects the town’s values, where respect for nature and the desire to protect it for future generations is a shared responsibility. The property’s design honors the traditional practices of working with the land rather than against it. Techniques like companion planting, natural pest control, and water conservation mirror the wisdom of early Maleny farmers who understood that sustainability is key to long-term prosperity.

The community spirit of Maleny, known for its cooperatives, local markets, and vibrant arts scene, is echoed in the property’s approach to inclusivity and education. Just as Maleny’s cooperative movement has long provided a platform for shared resources and mutual support, the property serves as a communal space where knowledge, resources, and ideas flow freely.

Regular workshops, open days, and collaborative projects invite the wider Maleny community as well as people from afar to be part of this journey, reinforcing the town’s ethos of working together for the greater good. Over time, the property becomes a natural extension of Maleny itself—an embodiment of the town’s dedication to nurturing both the environment and the bonds between people. It stands as a testament to how modern sustainability efforts can be deeply rooted in the traditions and values of a place, showing that by honoring our past, we can create a future that is both prosperous and harmonious.

As Maleny continues to be a leader in environmental consciousness, this project adds a new chapter to its story, one where the community’s spirit and the earth’s well-being are intertwined in a flourishing ecosystem for all to see.

Planned Outcomes and Project Milestones:

1. Land Acquisition and Initial Site Assessment - Secure the land in Maleny and conduct an initial site assessment. This includes evaluating soil quality, mapping out water resources, and identifying existing vegetation. How Donations Can Help: Contributions at this stage will go toward purchasing the land, hiring experts for site assessments, and covering legal and administrative fees. This foundational step is crucial for ensuring the long-term success of the project.
2. Design and Planning: Develop a comprehensive permaculture design plan. This includes zoning areas for different types of gardens (e.g., vegetable, fruit, and herb), water management systems, energy sources, and community spaces. How Donations Can Help: Funds will support the hiring of permaculture designers and planners, purchasing design tools and software, and conducting community consultations to align the project with local values and needs.
3. Soil Improvement and Infrastructure Setup: Begin soil rehabilitation through composting, mulching, and other organic methods. Install basic infrastructure, such as water tanks, rainwater harvesting systems, and renewable energy sources. How Donations Can Help: Donations will be used to purchase materials for soil improvement, water storage systems, and renewable energy installations like solar panels. This stage is critical for creating a sustainable foundation for the property.
4. Initial Planting and Habitat Creation: Start planting native species, establishing food forests, and creating habitats for local wildlife. Implement companion planting and agroforestry techniques to enhance biodiversity. How Donations Can Help: Contributions will fund the purchase of seeds, saplings, and native plants. They will also support the creation of wildlife corridors and pollinator-friendly areas, fostering a balanced ecosystem from the start.
5. Community Engagement and Education Programs: Launch workshops, volunteer programs, and educational events to involve the Maleny community and beyond. Develop learning materials and set up spaces for hands-on training. How Donations Can Help: Donations will cover the costs of educational materials, workshop supplies, and stipends for guest instructors. They will also help in creating infrastructure for outdoor classrooms and gathering spaces.
6. First Harvest and Market Integration: Achieve the first harvest of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Begin integrating the produce into local markets and establish a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. How Donations Can Help: Funds will assist in harvesting, packaging, and distributing produce. They will also support the development of a CSA program, helping to create a sustainable income stream for the property.
7. Expansion and Long-Term Sustainability: Expand the project by introducing new crops, livestock, and additional infrastructure like greenhouses or aquaponics systems. Continue improving soil health and refining sustainable practices. How Donations Can Help: Ongoing donations will fund the expansion of farming operations, the introduction of new sustainable technologies, and continued community engagement efforts. These contributions will ensure the project’s resilience and long-term impact.
8. Becoming a Regional Beacon of Sustainability: Establish the property as a regional model for sustainable living. Increase outreach to other communities, collaborate with local schools and organizations, and influence regional sustainability policies. How Donations Can Help: Funds at this stage will support outreach programs, partnerships with educational institutions, and advocacy efforts. These contributions will help spread the knowledge and success of the project far beyond Maleny. Each milestone builds on the last, creating a comprehensive and sustainable system that not only benefits the land but also the people and communities connected to it. Donations at every stage are vital to turning this vision into a reality, ensuring that the project not only thrives but also serves as an enduring source of inspiration and education for others.
9. Donation Tiers: Your Impact, $50: Support Soil Health Outcome: Provides organic compost and mulch to improve soil fertility on the property. Impact: Enriches the soil, ensuring that our plants have the nutrients they need to thrive. $100: Plant 10 Trees, Outcome: Funds the purchase and planting of 10 native trees or fruit-bearing trees. Impact: Contributes to the establishment of food forests and wildlife habitats, enhancing biodiversity. $250: Build a Pollinator Garden, Outcome: Supports the creation of a pollinator-friendly garden with flowers and herbs that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Impact: Boosts pollination and supports a healthy ecosystem on the property. $500: Sponsor an Educational Workshop, Outcome: Covers the costs of materials, supplies, and instructor fees for a community workshop on sustainable practices. Impact: Educates and empowers participants to apply sustainable techniques in their own lives and communities. $1,000: Fund a Rainwater Harvesting System, Outcome: Provides the resources needed to install a rainwater collection system, including tanks, gutters, and filtration. Impact: Ensures that the property efficiently captures and uses water, reducing reliance on external sources. $2,500: Establish a Community Space, Outcome: Helps build an outdoor classroom or gathering space for community events, workshops, and educational programs. Impact: Creates a hub for learning and collaboration, fostering a strong sense of community around the property.
10.  How to Donate - Making a donation is easy. Simply visit our website, choose your donation tier, and know that every dollar you give is helping to build a better, more sustainable future for our community and the environment. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to making a lasting difference. Together, we can create a model of sustainability that will inspire others for generations to come.