• Transition Bellingen

    Agents for change in the transition to a resilient community

Transition Bellingen began in 2008 as part of an international network of Transition groups working to create resilient and strong communities by re-localising production of food, energy and other resources.

RE-LOCALISING

production of food, energy and other resources

RE-LEARNING

old skills that can be used in our modern way of life, and

RE-CONNECTING

all sectors of the community.

A Project of CEL since 2012

In the past few years, the members of the core group of Transition Bellingen have had a bit of a rest from facilitating major events (while at the same time continuing to pursue many other amazing activities). After quite a bit of processing, it seemed a logical decision that Transition Bellingen fold its “incorporated not for profit” status and become a project of the Centre for Ecological Learning. The Bellingen Seed Savers, who were a project of Transition Bellingen, also become a project of CEL in 2012. A win-win situation for all – less paperwork, but the same opportunity to bring the Transition Bellingen tradition of forums and re-skilling workshops, and the amazing services of the Seed Savers, to the community.

CEL extends heartfelt thanks and huge appreciation to all the Transition Bellingen members, past and present – you continue to be hugely inspirational.

Transition Bellingen on Facebook

  • “The way the River Festival brought Bellingen together was incredible. It gave people a chance to reflect on what the river means to them and how it feels to live in this town.”

    – Kate Atkinson, 2011

Transition Bellingen Projects

From 2008-2012, Transition Bellingen was very active in the community, holding educational events, creating a Shire wide visioning process that was included in Bellingen Shire Council’s 2030 Strategic Plan, and supporting many initiatives to flower and grow, such as:

  • Reskilling Workshops

    Transition Bellingen ran many reskilling workshops over the years, equipping community members with the skills they believed they needed for their future. Workshops included everything from bee keeping to fermentation.

  • Word Cafe

    Transition Bellingen ran many world cafe visioning events with lots of different community groups and sectors to create a holistic vision of the future for the community.

  • Transition Blog

    Transition Bellingen blogged about their events and achievements, as well as sharing photos and achievements of their group. Read blog

  • Community 2030 Plan

    A club for budding young nature-lovers in Years 5-8 to explore a variety of local environments and engage in birdwatching, animal tracking and other naturalist observations.

  • Movies in the Park

    Transition Bellingen hosted regular movie events in Maam Gudyuing, where the community came together to enjoy a movie that inspired or educated them along the journey of transition.

  • Public Nap Space

    Transition Bellingen created a public nap space in the centre of town, a quiet stop-over for body, mind and soul, where people can come and take a few minutes out of their routine to rest, reflect and recharge. The space was suitable for quiet contemplation, as well as napping.

  • Bellingen Seeds Savers

    A welcoming group of edible-garden enthusiasts that began as a part of Transition Bellingen. Join them for garden visits, seeds sharing and garden talk!

  • The Free Market

    A monthly market where everything was free! Give and take, or just give, or just take. The Freemarket operated for several years, helping to redistributing Bellingen’s pre-loved items and share the abundance within our community.

  • Bellingen River Festival

    A major festival that ran for several years where people came together and celebrated our river. This festival was a wonderfully unifying and  joyous event.

  • Visioning Fair 2009

    A day to celebrate and present to the community the results of a series of Transition Bellingen visioning workshops.

    Watch Video

Transition Bellingen is waiting for you! Do you have an idea that fits the Transition model that wants to come to life via Transition Bellingen? Contact us and let’s talk.