Bill Mollison

[millefleurs]

There is a feature article on Bill Mollison in today's Age, one of Melbourne's major daily newspapers. It advises that there will be a feature program on Bill on SBS's Australian Biography on February 18.

Can anyone tell me what happened to the trees Bill planted somewhere in the centre, on a ditch filled from an intermittent stream, using concrete baffles at a bend in the stream to ensure the water left quietly. He said it was done in cooperation with the local Aboriginals, using a grader they renovated. The initial result was a high survival. Bill told us about this at a course he ran years ago at Ceres in Melbourne.

[Chook Nut]

Thanks for the info Mille.... i thought the 18th was on the Friday night but luckily my wife pointed out its tonight(Wed)... i just looked up the SBS website and its at 7.30pm.

Cheers.... Dave

[millefleurs]

Hi Chook Nut, did you see the program? I thought it was quite interesting as a biographical piece, but there were no great permaculture insights for me. Perhaps that is all you can expect from a long running series profiling prominent Australians' biographies. What it did show very well was the broad extent of Mollison's knowledge base - certainly an interesting life and a vigorous intellect.

[Chook Nut]

Hi Mille,

I also didn't get any insights from the program. I guess what dissappointed me most was Bill's attitude. He seems still upset with his childhood and lack of compassion.... i have seen quite a number of older ppl die carrying grudges with either ppl or the world and seem to think Bill is on this path.

I feel that he should step back and see how many ppl he has been able to change for a better world with what he developed through Permaculture. I know i would gain a lot of personal comfort from achieving something like he has! But then i try to look at the world from a Christian attitude... one that has love for the world rather than just seeing what is either the worst of myself or others.

I thought the Q's asked were below par with what could have been seen as a great Australian that has benefitted many ppls lives... of which i would include myself.

Bill's no nonsense approach did shine through in calling ppl dispicable who didnt at least try to change the 'plunder' mentality that our greed ridden society embraces.

So in all, as much as it was dissapointing it was good to see where Bill is at after nearly 30 years since Permaculture started.

Cheers .... Dave