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!
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
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.
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.
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
The Permaculture-In-Action internship programme is for you if,
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
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
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.
250USD per week.
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.
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)
Theory & Principles of Permaculture
Concepts & Themes of Design
Systems Thinking & Methods of Design
Water Harvesting & Management
Earth Working & Earth Resources
Aquatic Design & Aquaculture
Drought-Proofing
Ecological House Design & Placement
Energy Conservation Techniques
Recycling & Waste Management
Appropriate Technology
Pattern Understanding
Understanding Climate & Landscape
Designing for Different Climates
Windbreaks and Fire Control
Soil & Health
Trees & Their Energy Transactions
Soil Rehabilitation & Erosion Control
Organic Food Production
Ecological Pest Control
Livestock
Strategies of an Alternative Nation
Permaculture Careers
Practical Design Exercise
40 Hours of classroom lectures delivered by world renowned teachers
Special guest speakers
Extra-curricular activities
Farm Tour
On-going support through the Global Permaculture Network
Join Geoff Lawton’s Permaculture Circle with a 24/7 online community
If you would like to stay at Zaytuna Farm during the course you can book your accommodation on hip camp. by booking accommodation you get access to:
Hot Showers
Camping Shelter/ or on-ground camping
Access to Wi-fi
Access to kitchen facilities
*Please note only 10 camping shelters are available. Plenty of ground space is available.
The main facilitator for this PDC is Geoff Lawton. Other teachers will also deliver various modules, these will be made up of guest speakers and the Zaytuna Farm Team. Whilst we try to ensure that we advertise the correct teacher information on the site, due to unforeseen circumstances, the teachers may change at short notice.
Geoff Lawton is the main facilitator for this PDC course. 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.
Sam Parker-Davies Is the main facilitator for this course. He has taught and practiced permaculture design in 3 continents, in 12 countries. He is a permaculture designer by trade, having done his internship with Geoff and Nadia Lawton at the Permaculture Research Institute, a one-year Soil Food Web course with Elaine Ingham, and Permaculture Design and Teaching courses with Rosemary Morrow and Lis Bastion.
Sam has also learned from and worked alongside prominent leaders in the industry such as Graham Bell, Bunya Halasz, Istvan Makuly, and Giuseppe Sanicandro. Sam has worked in a wide variety of climates and ecosystems – from desert to rainforest regeneration projects, hyper arid to wetland, temperate to subtropical. Sam has devoted his life to getting planet earth on a path of regeneration and is hopeful from what he sees and in experiences every day, that he may well see it in his lifetime. Sam is currently working as a designer for both Permaculture DesignTM and Permaculture Sustainable ConsultingTM.
Sam now lives here on Zaytuna farm as a shareholder, farmer, designer and project manager for numerous projects in the local region. From 2 million acre cattle stations, large organisations, property development, or balcony city gardens the students of these PDCs go on to do world changing things.
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.
The PDC and PIA course at Zaytuna Farm have opened my mind for a new perception of the world around me, in particular, the connection with people, community, and Earth. These three weeks have cracked open my heart, it is almost like a spiritual journey. Because finally, I know there is a practical and realistic path everyone and I can walk on to make a positive impact on the world.
-YING GLORIA CHUNG
Geoff and his team have built Zaytuna Farm into a very unique place. One which turns nervousness into comfort, strangers into family, and teaching Permaculture into an amazing mix of art, science, and community. I simply cannot recommend the PDC at Zaytuna Farm enough – and would love to go back one day soon!
– SCOTT WILSON
Doing my PDC at Zaytuna Farm was a dream come true. Being immersed in Permaculture — especially followed by Permaculture in Action — is a life-changing experience. Coming to understand Permaculture means you can never look at things the same way again and opens up the natural world to you. You have the tools to become part of the solution. In addition to the PDC curriculum, the chance to meet interesting, positive people from around the world was a huge plus!
-JEANMARIE TODD
1. Check our Courses & Events page and enrol in a follow up course, sometimes we run Permaculture In Action and Teacher Training courses.
2. Become a Certified Permaculture Teacher
3. Create a profile and join the Permaculture Network
This PDC will be taught at Zaytuna Farm, which is located 1 kilometre from the village of the Channon, 20km outside of Lismore in New South Wales, Australia.
Regional: Lismore, Coolangatta, Ballina
International: Brisbane
Casino (with bus service on to Lismore)
The Channon
NB: A limited service that runs Mon-Fri