2009

The project began in 2009 by a few friends getting together due to the lack of good available public information about passive energy house design with an open day of a single house in Tamworth. From the strong interest the activity received it became clear the community wanted this information.

Since 2009 activities include messages based on energy and waste, carbon emissions, food waste, local foods, innovation, housing, technology, transport, design, biodiversity and community resilience. The group continues to run activities with the community, business, building, education, local and state government sectors. Activities include Expos, Open Houses, Bus Tours, Business Kits, Corporate Presentations, Guest Speakers, School Competitions, 100 Mile Food Nights, and Mums and Bubs Activities to name a few.

The Challenge:
 how can we increase the sustainability of the citizens in our region?

Bring together: Partners, Sponsors, and Volunteers and show a shining example of a family building a sustainable house – off the grid and with all modern conveniences.

The public response was overwhelming with 3,000 attendees over the two days. TMLA received a Namoi Natural Resource Management Award from Namoi Catchment Management Authority for the event.

Partners

Col Easton from North West Local Land Services NWLLS and Jean Coady from Tamworth Regional Landcare Association TRLA.

Col Easton from North West Local Land Services NWLLS and Jean Coady from Tamworth Regional Landcare Association TRLA.

Sponsors

sponsors

New England Regional TAFE provide science educators Rachel Webster and Jean Coady.

Volunteers

volunteer.

Many volunteers hours were spent on planning, promoting and running the event, engaging with the public, and creating the compass card giveaways, that explained the benefits and concepts of north facing buildings etc.

You can download your own compass card here

Venue

venue

Central, accessible, attractive, displaying Best Practice.

Bill and Jan Bryan generously provided their home, designed by Bill, an engineer. This building included many excellent features including:

  • Off grid solar power
  • Solar Water
  • North facing aspect
  • Lawrence Trombe wall
  • Water well under living room
  • Return of roof heat in winter
  • Solar water floor heating
  • Jan’s Water-wise garden

Exhibitors

Experts and Vendors:

  • Bill Bryan engineer and designer of the home
  • Tradespeople involved in the construction including Col Damon
  • Geoff Green, Solar Hotwater plumber
  • Ian Lobbin, Tamworth Regional Council Water Officer
  • Sharon Taylor, sustainable garden designer
  • New England Solar
  • Betsys Blinds and Awnings
  • Country Energy
  • “I’ve Got Worms” worm farms

The Community Responds!

community-response

The public response was overwhelming with 3,000 attendees over the two days. TMLA received a Namoi Natural Resource Management Award from NCMA for the event.