General News
17 October, 2025
Group host off-grid event
Goldfields Sustainability Group (GSG) is hosting an event at an off-grid home this weekend, to observe the benefits and challengers the site has.
GSG’s Barry Parsons said the Bung Bong home will be revisited this weekend for attendees to observe its newly complete fruit orchid, vegetable garden, water tanks and other resources.
“We will be able to see the fruits of this labour as well as the in house honey production. We visited this house a few years ago when it was still being built so it will be interesting to see the completed building and how the garden has evolved,” he said.
“Time will be spent walking around the garden and learning about the challenges of living off-grid in a warming climate and how these challenges have been met. Tanks provide most water needs.
“The fruit orchard is fully enclosed and the vegetable garden is mainly raised wicking beds that are also enclosed. Much of the food grown is eaten fresh, the remainder is preserved by drying or bottling.”
Mr Parsons said there are a range of reasons someone may choose to live off-grid.
“It could be concern for the environment, wanting to improve the soil or wanting to be independent of the resources most urban dwellers depend on,” he said.
“It is not possible for everyone to do this but it is interesting to see what has been done successfully and then think what you can do in your own life to care for the land you live on and develop resilience in a changing climate.”
Mr Parsons said the group will also host their AGM after the tour, where he hopes to reflect on the groups work in the past year, and future.
“Over the last year, the Goldfields Sustainability Group members have enjoyed assisting at the Energy Breakthrough Wash Against Waste, facilitated an Energy Audit of a local house, arranged for a Clean Up Australia day of a local bushland site and a living with electricity afternoon with owners of electric vehicles and experts on electrifying homes and saving on home energy costs,” he said.
“Last month’s GSG event also joined with the shire as part of their Home Energy Empowerment program to offer a visit to two local homes with energy saving features.”
Mr Parsons said those interested in the event need to message him on 0423 822 506 and are advised to bring food for afternoon tea.
The event will take place this Saturday, October 18 at 1.30 pm.
Attendees are advised to meet at the shire office carpark on Nolan Street, Maryborough, where the house address will be provided.