So what’s a permablitz?
Where are you based?
This website is made in Melbourne, Australia for the Melbourne permablitz network. For groups in other regions see our regional groups page.
How do I get involved?
What skills do I need to turn up to a blitz?
None at all! Everyone is more than welcome regardless of skill level. We welcome first time gardeners.
Who brings tools?
Participants generally supply most of the tools. Organisers will usually have some masking tape and a texter on hand so your tools are easier to identify at the end of the day.
How do I qualify to get blitzed?
There are really two things you need. One, you need to have been to about two permablitzes (although there are some exceptions). There is also another way to qualify through community work. The second thing you need is a permaculture informed design, done by or with the help of at least one person who’s completed a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC). See our Get Blitzed! page for more.
Will someone help me before the day?
We try to organise at least one volunteer permaculture designer who wants experience to help you with the design process. Most of the time we find someone, although occasionally distance or complexity of the project works against us. You can alternatively pay to have a professional permaculture designer help out, and some organisers of the permablitz network are also professional designers. See our page on Permaculture Design Consultants.
What would be my roles as a blitz host?
You’d work with a designer to come up with a design which suits your needs. They will help generate a list materials which you will need to have ready on the day (we can a call out to the network for anything you need too.) On the day your main role is as a host and to help feed the troops. Permablitz Guild members can facilitate the day and run workshops. We now have a draft booklet for blitz hosts — if you’d like to see it, have a look here.
There’s no permablitz network in my region. How would I go about setting up a local permablitz network?
It’s not too hard to get a permablitz or two happening to test the waters. See the list of ever growing groups both local and abroad.
Who funds the network?
For the most part, nobody. The network is based on volunteerism and reciprocity, and hosts cover whatever personal materials expenses they have. There is absolutely no shortage of people willing to come along and volunteer their time and labour — and why not? The days are fun, you meet good people, and everyone learns a lot. Organisation and admin does take a fair bit of effort in the background which also currently goes unremunerated. This is done by a small collective.
A former Dept of Planning and Infrastructure initiative called the Dandenong Edible Gardens Project employed some permablitzers to help organise permablitzes in Greater Dandenong (Victoria, Australia). It was successful in staying true to the permablitz spirit while employing people at the design and co-ordination levels. Working with other such groups and with local governments may be one way forward. Very Edible Gardens PTY LTD (VEG) is a permaculture design consultancy started by some of the permablitz founders in Melbourne has also made some small donations to pay for web expenses.
What’s the deal with insurance?
Permablitz Melbourne is not an incorporated organisation and does not hold insurance. So when you participate in the Permablitz process, while you may be covered by any public liability insurance that you or the host may have, your actions during the design, facilitation and/or participation in a Permablitz are carried out at your own risk. Please take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others. We pride ourselves on the fact that, in more than 11 years of blitzing, we have never had any major incidents. However, if you have any concerns, please seek legal advice before participating in a Permablitz.
