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Australia Phase III 1st June to 28th August 2026

1st June to 28th August 2026

1st June to 28th August 2026

Permaculture-In-Action Internship

Are you passionate about permaculture? Ready to learn how permaculture principles can be adapted and applied in diverse environments? Join us for a 9-month internship program with Geoff Lawton and his team, spanning three different climates on three continents!

with Geoff Lawton

These selected three climates cover 80 percent of the territory of the Earth, thus wherever your journey may lead you after the programmed, you most probably have learnt what permaculture techniques could be best applied on the given climate. Such an immersive journey would not only offer practical skills but also foster a deeper understanding of global ecological systems and the interconnectedness of environmental challenges and some of the solutions.

The Permaculture-In-Action internship programme is designed to empower individuals, who are keen on experiencing the practicalities of running permaculture farms and sites in very different climates, such as

  • humid subtropical climate in Australia at Zaytuna farm,

During the internship programme, not only you learn permaculture ‘by doing’, but will have a chance to build relationships and potential partnerships within the network of like-minded people at the Global Permaculture Research Institute.

Our world is changing

We are facing enormous challenges and changes in the world on a scale never seen before in human history – increasing climate extremes, social and economic crises, wars, and unrest. Time is running out, and the way our life is transforming every day there has never been a better time or indeed a greater need for us to work together to make the necessary changes to try and make the world a better place. It is crucial for us to recognize our collective responsibility and navigate our world towards a liveable future and also sow the seeds for a worthwhile future for our children.

Take action

As a participant in the internship programme, you will learn about permaculture in three very different climates to gain the necessary experience and expertise. You will study

  • in subtropical Australia at the Zaytuna farm in Northern NSW, and

Is it for you?

The Permaculture-In-Action internship programme is for you if,

  • you are genuinely interested in making that first step towards becoming part of the solution.
  • You would like to intern side by side with Geoff Lawton and his international team.
  • You are looking to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in permaculture.
  • You would like to learn how to transfer your knowledge to others.
  • You would like to gain practical experience through real-life examples.
  • You would like to become a team member of the Permaculture Research Institute.

If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of the above, we look forward to hearing from you!

The Permaculture-In-Action internship programme can be your investment into your future. Our aim is to spread permaculture enabling people with a ‘can-do’ attitude. You can have great networking opportunities while partnering with the Permaculture Research Institute. During the internship you do not only learn about farming in several climatic environments, but you can establish your career path and also become a teacher on the way. Throughout the process you will be equipped with our support.

We look for individuals who

  • are independent, resilient with a positive attitude,
  • speak conversational English,
  • are available for at least one month,
  • trust in our programme and happy to be part of our community, and
  • are willing to live in a communal setting.

Topics and skills that will be covered include:

  • Translating the skills of food forest management in a desert climate to its management in a sub-tropical climate.  What considerations stay the same and which ones change?
  • You will be maintaining the cropping system at Zaytuna Farm, both by planting and harvesting.
  • Working with the diverse large and small animal systems arrayed around the food growing zone, which include horses, cattle and a dairy, dwarf goats and chickens.
  • As usual, supporting practices will be engaged in such as the all essential composting, nursery practice, food processing if quantities permit, farm forestry, and even aquaculture and natural swimming pools.
  • All of this you will get to practice and observe in a sub-tropical climate, under continental effects just more than one hour inland by car from the beautiful beaches of Byron Bay.

In the Permaculture-In-Action internship program we expect you to commit to an average of 40 hours of work per week, from Monday to Thursday, which consists of 27 hours of self-managed work on the farm, and 13 hours of theoretical training. Hours may vary due to the nature of work, ongoing project or other circumstances. Extra working hours are compensated. There is also dedicated time to rest and to recharge.

Permaculture is an ethical design science,
that mimics nature to supply all our
human needs whilst benefiting the environment

Daily Timetable

  • 6.00-7.30 – Breakfast
  • 7.30-8.15 – Tidy up
  • 8.15-12.30 – Program
  • 12.30-13.15 – Lunch
  • 13.15-13.30 – Tidy up
  • 13.30-17.00 – Program

You will be provided with lodging at the farm that will have access to hot showers etc.
You will not be provided with any meals but will be expected to cater for yourself during the timeframe of the course.

Accommodation and food:

You will be provided with camping-based accommodation at the farm, including access to basic facilities such as showers.

Please note that lodge/room accommodation is not included as part of the course. In some cases, private accommodation may be available for rent (subject to availability), but this is not guaranteed.

Food: Participants will need to arrange their own meals during the course.

Travel:

You are expected to make your own way to Zaytuna Farm, though planning assistance can be given if you require.

Nearest airport – Brisbane (2.5 hours drive) vs Sydney (8.5 hours drive); nearest local airports are Ballina (closest at 50min drive) or Coolongatta (1 hr 20min drive)

ABOUT THE TEACHERS

Geoff And Team

 

Geoff Lawton is the main facilitator. He is a Permaculture consultant, designer and teacher. He first took his Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) Course with Bill Mollison in 1983. He holds a Diploma in Permaculture Education, Design, Implementation, System Establishment, Administration and Community Development given by the founder of Permaculture, Bill Mollison.

 

Geoff has undertaken thousands of jobs teaching, consulting, designing, administrating and implementing, in 6 continents and close to 50 countries around the world. Clients have included private individuals, groups, communities, governments, aid organizations, non-government organisations and multinational companies.

 

He has currently educated over 15,000 students in Permaculture worldwide. These include graduates of the Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) Course and courses focused on the practical design of sustainable soil, water, plant, and legal and economic systems.

ZAYTUNA FARM

ABOUT THE LOCATION

This PDC will be taught at Zaytuna Farm, As one of the leading Permaculture demonstration sites in the world, Zaytuna Farm has a range of functioning systems including water harvesting, food production, and a very productive animal husbandry. All of which will add to the learning experience and make this course a very rich experience and one not to be missed.

Zaytuna Farm

LOCATION:

This internship will be held at Zaytuna Farm, which is located 1 kilometre from the village of the Channon, 20km outside of Lismore in New South Wales, Australia.

Nearest Airport

Regional: Lismore, Coolangatta, Ballina
International: Brisbane

Train Station

Casino (with bus service on to Lismore)

Bus Stop

The Channon

NB: A limited service that runs Mon-Fri

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