The Avoca Project

Please view the PDF documents below:

Edinburgh Festival review (PDF)

Beyond Boundaries (PDF)

Video documentation of performance soon

On Thursday 18th October 2007 Avoca RSL, High St. Avoca 5.30pm – 9.30pm there will be a climate discussion with Guest speakers Kim Chalmers from the Australian Conservation Foundation. Kim is a climate change presenter trained by Al Gore.

and Ian Lillington form the Mount Alexander Sustainability Group.
Author of “The Holistic Life – Sustainability Through Permaculture”, Ian has a wealth of
information about sustainability in the UK. Transition towns, zero carbon Britain,
biofuels, and permaculture demonstration projects are amongst his resources.

You can downlaod a flyer  Avoca Climate discussion [PDF 112KB]

RSVP to Janelle Williams before
Friday 5th October 2007
Please notify of any special dietary
requirements
Phone: 5448 7124 or E-mail:
janelle.williams@nccma.vic.gov.au

The Swiss House, a poetic image of adaptabilty

A day of discussions, demonstrations and presentations by experts in the field including special guest Peter Andrews, Natural Sequence farmer and author of “Back from the Brink”, as seen on ABC TV’s Australian Story. Using this site as a practical example, invited experts will address issues of water such as usage and methods of saving and recuperation, like storage, irrigation for gardens, use of grey water, wetlands development and the relationship with the river. Other issues of sustainability will also be addressed, including reductions in domestic power use. Discussions will focus on the future of this heritage house and grounds as an artwork – a poetic image of adaptability to climate change.

Cost of entry

The carbon footprint of each visitor’s journey to Avoca will be neutralised by the purchase of seedling trees to be immediately planted in the garden (maximum cost $20)

Address

16 Dundas Street, Avoca Victoria 3467.

The Avoca Project is proudly supported by Federal Community Grants, Arts Victoria. RMIT University.

Download Field Day flyer [PDF 89KB]

Schedule

From 9.30am

On arrival – participant tree plantings and sign up for tours, Stories, registration of interest in Avoca Landcare group, dinner bookings

From 10.00

Guided tours of the house and grounds (from the front gate) every hour Collecting of stories about the house

Rose Mann will be inviting people who have stories about the house to have them recorded in the dining room over a cup of tea.

Morning program:

Adapting to climate change: A more sustainable future. All presentations to start in the studio.

10.00- 10.30 Simon Pockley (the water solutions, the federal Water Fund grant and the innovative underground water tank now in place).
10.30- 11.00 Mel Ogden ( the landscaping solutions underway)
11.00- 11.30 Lorraine Huddle (the house’s observable heritage)
11.30 – 1.00 A discussion on sustainable renovation in the studio, with Ralph Horne, Tony Dalton, Ron Wakefield, Lorraine Huddle. Chair: Lisette Ashford
or
11.30 – 1.00 Water and the vegetable garden – a demonstration of the best use of drip irrigation.

Afternoon program:

1.30 – 2.00 Lyndal Jones (So what makes this art? The role of art and the future of this project) in the studio. Chair: Jeanette Horsley
2.00 – 4.00 Peter Andrews (water, soil and the river) with introduction by the Mayor). This presentation will start in the studio but may move to the river or other parts of the property. Chair: John Kirkpatrick
4.00- 5.00 Pamela Manning – indigenous plantings and the wetland. At the small red tent in the garden.
5.00- 6.00 300 naked ladies; a small garden performance
6.30 dinner at the wine bar (dinner $40.00)
Morning and afternoon tea will be available and a glass of wine at the end of the day. Lunch is available in the main street or you can bring a picnic.

RMIT University, with assistance from the Australian Government’s Community Water Grants, today launched the water sustainability component of the Avoca Project.

The Project received $42,690 in Round 2 of Community Water Grants.

The Avoca Project explores the impact and influence of a variety of art based practices arising from Watford House in the town of Avoca in central Victoria – Australia. It involves experts in historical, ecological and social sustainability as well as artists of international repute.

“We are proud to work with the Australian Government to help improve water efficiency within our community,” said RMIT Associate Professor Lyndal Jones.

The Avoca Project will demonstrate self sufficiency by using a whole of water cycle approach that includes retrofitting the property with water efficient appliances and a wetland as land art. The project will be publicised and promoted through the web, education programs, seminars, community workshops, and site tours. This project is expected to save 17,000 litres of water per year.

“Community Water Grants encourage better water use and improvements in water quality through practical on-the-ground projects, such as reducing pollutants reaching our waterways, and water recycling and efficiency initiatives,” said Lyndal Jones.

Community Water Grants is part of the $2 billion Australian Government Water Fund. Water savings, recycling and treatment projects that demonstrate community involvement and a clear public benefit are eligible for funding up to $50,000.

For more information about Community Water Grants visit www.australia.gov.au/communitywatergrants or phone 1800 780 730.

Media Contacts:

Dr Lyndal Jones
Mobile: 0425 745 868
lyndal.jones@rmit.edu.au

Key documents

• Media Release [Word 50KB]
• Funding Agreement [PDF 91KB
• Terms and ConditionsTerms and Conditions [PDF 150KB]

New levels of luxury have been reached with the construction of a bush shower behnd the studio. The canvass shower hangs from the arm of the old swivelling pot boiler.

Lyndal Jones and Pamela Manning (CMA) met to discuss riparian regeneration strategies for the flood plan and the banks of the Avoca River.

Reach of the Avoca River adjacent to Watford House

Numerous remnant grasses and aquatic plants were noted. Pamela stressed the importance of increasing the shade cover over the river water in order to lower the temperature and increase the health of macoinvertebrates. She suggested that the river habitat might be improved by adding logs and other forms of natural obstructions.

Canoe tree

Walking and talking they came across a river red gum that had been used for canoe m making by Aborigines. Further evidence of Aboriginal activity could be seen within the gorounds of Watford House in one of the older river red gums.

Red Gum with marks of Aboriginal activity