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You want to live more sustainably, but it’s hard to know where to start or what actually makes a difference locally.
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The rising cost of living and rush of modern life leave little time or headspace to investigate options, even when you know change is needed.
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You care about the future, but without a like-minded local community around you, staying motivated is difficult.
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Visual capture of a Living Lightly Locally visioning workshop facilitated by Keri and James Hopeward at the Australian Permaculture Convergence, Mt Barker (2023). Illustrated by Brenna Quinlan.
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“It’s vitally important that we recognise the need to start building local communities and local economies, so that we can live in a way where we see the impact we have on the living world as we go about meeting our daily needs.”
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“We are living in an increasingly complex system, one that is built for a different period of time — the 20th century — and is not equipped to deal with the realities of the 21st century. It is so globally linked that it’s incredibly fragile. We are really going to suffer if we don’t create more resilience in our own regions.”
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How the program works
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I recommend this program for those wishing to learn more about themselves, their connection to community and nature, and humans' addiction to consumption! It allows you to think deeply about one aspect at a time and discuss within a supportive environment." |
Living Lightly Locally lets me connect with my new like-minded community in a new region to me." |
Recommended to those who want to live more lightly on the planet, contribute to a connected, sustainable community and learn how to influence change at the personal, household and systems level." |
Frequently asked questions
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When does the program begin and how long will it run?
The program is expected to start in mid-late June 2026 and run through to July 2027, with a break over the December-January holiday period. Can I still join if I missed the June start? Yes, applications remain open all year. While we encourage people to join from the start to get the full 12-month experience, it may still be possible to join later if places are available. Simply complete the online application form, and we’ll be in touch to confirm eligibility and timing. Successful applicants who apply before June 1, 2026 and are joining from the start will be notified in early June 2026 with full details. Is there a cost to participate? No, the program is completely free for eligible participants, including access to all materials and sessions. What topics will I learn about? Each month focuses on a key theme, specifically chosen to reduce your impact and create more local regenerative futures:
Do I need prior experience or education in sustainability Not at all. The program welcomes complete beginners and is also valuable for those who already hae some knowledge or experience. Can I participate if I’m part of a household or team? Yes — individuals from the same household or group are welcome to apply, but each person needs to register individually. How much time do I need to commit to this each month? Plan for a minimum of three hours to attend the monthly face-to-face session. You can also take part in optional extra activities, like self-audits and at-home learning. So, expect to spend three to five hours per month. Where and how are the face-to-face sessions run? Sessions will take place in our four partner council areas: Alexandrina Council, City of Mount Gambier, City of Mitcham and Mount Barker District Council (exact locations TBC). You’ll gather at your local venue for roughly three hours each month. The first hour involves watching a documentary about the monthly topic video (e.g., waste, energy, water, food), followed by a facilitated discussion focused on that month’s topic and the shared vision. Some food and drinks will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring a plate to share. One location will serve as the ‘host ‘each month, with facilitators from the university research team travelling to that location to deliver the session live and in-person. Participants at the other three locations will join via an online link (Zoom or Teams), allowing all four locations to connect and learn together. This flexible mode ensures the research team meets participants in all locations multiple times throughout the year. Do I need to attend every face-to-face session? While regular attendance is encouraged to get the full benefit, you can still participate if you miss a session. Recordings and optional activities are available. What if I have accessibility needs or require special accommodations? We aim to make sessions inclusive and accessible — please contact us to discuss your requirements. What criteria will my application be assessed against? The program is open to anyone aged 18 or over who lives in participating council areas, with places largely offered on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. In the unlikely scenario that we have more applicants than available places, we may look at achieving a balanced mix of participants (for example, across age or gender), while still prioritising early applicants. Will the program ever run outside the four current council areas? If you would like to see the program run in your local council area, please fill out our application form and let us know. We are hoping to run a third phase of Living Lightly Locally in the future, subject to funding. Your expression of interest helps demonstrate interest in and demand for the program, as well as identifying potential local areas and partners for future deliveries. |
