How to get involved?
Learn More Click HERE
We have applied several times, through the Federal and State governments, for funding and so far, have been unsuccessful.
So we’ve been self-funding as best we can from our workshops, other enterprises and from the trickle of funds that come in through our Fund (bank account) which people (like you) to contribute to – small or medium or large sums of money, one off or on a regular basis, to help us implement the vision!
OR if you have skills, connections, ideas or suggestions, please let us know – rebel@thehungryspirit.com
There are four primary areas we require capital for this project
1. Education
Provide workshops on Syntropic farming in Lightning Ridge, western NSW. These workshops cover the principles and mechanics of Syntropic Farming and application in a semi-arid environment. Students are educated in Syntropic Farming increasing the awareness and knowledge of holistic management and regeneration of landscapes using these methods.
When – As funding is available
Who will attend – Landowners in semi-arid zones, Indigenous land managers, Land management educators, backyard farmers, horticulture, grazing and farm managers, students (TAFE, University and school)
Delivered by – Thiago Gimenez Barbosa + Rebel Black
Funding required – $11,000 inc gst/ 3 day workshop
2. Demonstration Site
Expand our 1ha demonstration site at THE Hungry Spirit Lightning Ridge, a community focused property on the edge of the opal fields that currently has a permaculture garden, a large shed used for events and functions and a commercial kitchen. We are in negotiations with the Crown Reserve Trust to develop non-irrigated systems on property adjoining THE Hungry Spirit and there are a few stumbling blocks we need to get over including test drilling the site (for opal) before we can get started.
The establishment phase will include earthworks, planting, a watering system and employment of a Project Support Officer (15hrs/week) who will be responsible for basic maintenance and developing community and volunteer engagement to ensure the project continues beyond initial funding.
The site will include a variety of fruit and nut trees, native timbers and Indigenous foods and medicine plants, vegetables and ground covers. It will make use of local crushed rock, woodchip and organic compost. We will undertake comprehensive soil analysis to measure the impact on soil/biodiversity/water retention and carbon sequestration using this methodology.
When: When approval and funding are available with ongoing management by landowners, volunteers and through other funding obtained
Who will attend: The Demonstration site will be built using a mix of specialists (irrigation and earthworks) workshop participants and community volunteers. It will be done in a short period of time being led by Syntropic Farming expert Thiago Gimenez Barbosa
Funding required – $30,000/year (salary) + $20,000 input costs (year 1 including trees, seeds,mulch etc) – $5000 (cost of drilling) + $8,000/year (soil sampling to get baseline data)
3. Community engagement
Through 3 community open days, 2 proposed workshops and 10 or more other activities over the two years of the project (including pruning, harvesting, preserving, planting etc) A minimum of 600 people will be engaged in the methods, practices and activity of Syntropic farming and be inspired to make changes in their own life and landscapes. Some will become volunteers and support the project long term.
When: Annual
Who will attend: Landowners and land managers, School students, Indigenous groups, community members, regenerative farming practitioners and consultants, educators.
Deliver: these activities will be managed by the Project Support Officer, supported by the landowners where the demonstration site is and local volunteers who will be recruited and trained to provide support
Funding required – $10,000 (event costs)
4. Scale
Develop a viable project proposal and relevant investment documentation to seek support for a larger scale project that includes broader outcomes including Indigenous employment, tourism, native food production and cultural outcomes. This could include acquisition of a larger property and/or long term collaborations with local landholders.
When: As funding available
Who: Local landowners, investors, Indigenous landholders
Funding required – $20,000 >++
