Training Approach

Since 1994 Djanbung Gardens has been delivering world-class courses in permaculture and sustainable design. In 2005 the Accredited Permaculture Training™ was introduced with AQTF vocational qualifications in permaculture Certificates III, IV and Diploma.

Permaculture College Australia Inc, a non-profit environmental education provider, convenes The Accredited Permaculture Training™ programs at Djanbung Gardens. The accredited programs are delivered under Permaculture College Australia Inc in partnership with a Permaculture International approved RTO. Permaculture pioneer, international designer and educator, Robyn Francis, is the designer and director of Djanbung Gardens and designs many of the training programs conducted there, drawing from the rich expertise of over 30 years experience in permaculture plus the Bioregional Campus faculty.

"Studying Permaculture at Djanbung Gardens with Robyn has been such a rewarding and valuable experience. Robyn's breath and depth of knowledge and her ability to translate and articulate it to her students is invaluable for learning to live sustainably on our planet." - Tye (former APT diploma student)

Check out what past students are doing on our Alumni Page

Training Approach - Integrated Learning
Integrated Learning balances classroom learning, project work and outdoor practical training supported by real-life experience in design and implementation.
Integrated Learning is on the cutting edge of innovative and effective training, combining experiential and accelerated learning techniques and processes, engaging facilitated and self-directed learning activities. Integrated learning is an enjoyable, participatory and empowering process.

The Integrated Learning APT™ program at Djanbung Gardens provides pathways to pace your learning and gain your qualification, you might prefer to fast-track or complete over an extended period. 

At Djanbung Gardens you are learning in an environment where the concepts being taught are practiced.

Training Centre:

Class work is in the passive solar designed earthbrick classroom, generous verandas and 5-acre living outdoor classroom.

Students receive comprehensive course handbooks for the different modules of training, and clear assessment guides and worksheets for the units of competency.

Resourses available for students in the centre include:

• Library - thousands of permaculture and related books and magazines, videos and DVDs

• TV monitor and video/DVD player

• ADSL broadband internet access (cable & wireless) and student computer

• Access to photocopy facilities during office hours

• Friendly and helpful staff and a support network in the local community

• Opportunities to develop projects according to personal interests

Practical workplace experience is an integral component of competency-based training. Students are encouraged to undertake placements with appropriate local enterprises, properties, trades, business & community organizations and WWOOF hosts according to course guidelines. Some assessment projects can be undertaken on your own or another suitable property or location, depending upon course requirements, opportunities available and personal interests.

Interactive  •  Experiential

Participatory  •  Action-based

Flexible framework • Self directed & formal activities

Great course resources • Reference library   •  Internet access

Limited on-site residential internships available

On-site accommodation

Limited on-site camping and accommodation is available for residential internships. Three charming old railway carriages house the student share-kitchen (fridge, stove, basic kitchen equipment), showers, composting toilet plus small rooms for longer term students and bunks for casual accommodation. The carriages open onto verandas and courtyard garden and have a social landscape with fire-pit, wood-fired BBQ and cob oven oven.

Some students camp on site for the intial weeks of training while they find suitable permanent accommodation in the neighbourhood.

Residential interns roster for garden maintenance, feeding the animals and other work on the farm. A basic weekly amount is paid into the carriage kitty for essentials. Collective and communal meals are encouraged.

Venue

Djanbung Gardens is a purpose designed permaculture education centre (established 1994) with passive solar earthbrick classroom set in a 5 acre ‘living classroom’ of working permaculture systems to facilitate participatory and practical hands-on learning.

Djanbung Gardens is the home address of Permaculture Education and Permaculture College Australia Inc and Robyn Francis. Permaculture College Australia Inc facilitates the accredited training and volunteer programs. Permaculture Education develops course materials and undertakes RPL assessments.

With a commitment to excellence, Djanbung Gardens has earned an international reputation as one of permaculture’s leading training and demonstration centres receiving visitors and students from all over the world.

Djanbung (pronounced with silent ‘d’) means platypus in the local Wiyabul dialect – the name was given by senior Bundjalung elder, Uncle Eric Walker.

Community

Nimbin

Djanbung Gardens is less than 1 km from the heart of Nimbin village. Nimbin is a focal point for alternative initiatives including Rainbow Power Company and central to the wider North Coast bioregion, leading the way in organic production, food security and sustainability initiatives & new sustainable enterprise development.

Nimbin village centre is a 10-15 minute walk from Djanbung Gardens. The village provides a wide range of services including post office, ATM & EFT-Post, shopping, organic green grocer & health foods, entertainment, medical & health services, Centrelink agency and cultural activities. Nimbin is 30km from the regional City of Lismore and has a daily shuttle-bus connection with Byron Bay.

Nimbin is exceptionally diverse and embodies a sense of community rarely found in contemporary society. Nimbin lies on the southern hills of the Mount Warning caldera, an area of intense natural beauty surrounded by World-Heritage-listed subtropical rainforests of the Nightcap and Border Ranges National Parks.