TALKS PROGRAMS

Are you sick of the same old, bland store bought bacon and kabana and have a craving for something more? Do you want to learn the art and intricacy of curing that will turn that raw pork belly into delicious salty bacon or drool worthy sweet chili chicken kabana? My Slice of Life is the place to “cure” your cravings with our Makin Bacon & Kabana Workshop.

MUST PRE-BOOK - See full details and book via workshops page - www.offgridevent.com.au/workshopsprogram

Bamboo Architecture Unboxed is a comprehensive guide that bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design techniques to revolutionise the bamboo construction landscape. Authored by experts Jorg Stamm and Munir Vahanvati, this book explores the remarkable strength, sustainability, and aesthetic flexibility of bamboo through geometrical principles. Come along and help launch it with author Munir and Director of Natural Building Australia Dr Rachel Goldlust in conversation.

If you're interested in hunting but don't know where to begin, join Paul Boag for How to Become a Hunter. As a fourth-generation sambar hunter, Paul combines decades of experience with a passion for teaching newcomers the skills needed to hunt responsibly. Along with his wife Monica, Paul runs courses that cover the basics—from understanding deer behavior to harvesting and preparing free-range, organic venison. This talk is designed to help beginners feel confident about starting their hunting journey, offering practical insights, ethical guidance, and a strong foundation in sustainable hunting practices. Learn how to start hunting safely, ethically, and knowledgeably.

Learn how thermal mass can help regulate the temperature in your home, keeping it warm in winter and cool in summer, while also reducing your energy bills. Discover eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials like concrete and bricks, and explore how natural clay can not only improve your home's comfort but also benefit your health.

What are the rules? Who should I hire to help? Let's talk DIY and safe sparkies with the expert team from Energy Safe Victoria. Find out the protocols on setting up solar DIY style, what you are and aren't allowed to do within the law. And how to pick a good, reputable electrician to do your install. From small to large solar projects, what questions should you ask, what certifications should your trades have, and how to make sure they're legit.

How to create a biophilic home - In this talk, we will explore how to transform your home into a nurturing sanctuary by embracing the principles of biophilic design. You’ll learn how to incorporate biomimicry through natural patterns and forms, use scent and soundscapes to create a multi-sensory connection to nature, and thoughtfully apply natural light, greenery, and nature-inspired colours to enhance wellbeing. Be inspired by practical ideas to create a home that supports both physical and emotional harmony with nature.

Outlining and demonstrating the process of taking a culm of bamboo from a remote Chinese valley and turning it into a useful thing of great beauty. We will show the different stages of the process and demonstrate various aspects with appropriate artefacts.

One family's grassroots warts-and-all sustainability story - A grassroots warts-and-all sustainability story about how the Davies family:
- retrofitted a 50 year old house from a 2 star to 7 star energy efficient home, reducing energy bills and improving lifestyle habits in the process, plus
- learned how to embrace electric vehicles, and got involved in a High Court legal challenge along the way - and won!
Come along to get some practical ideas for your own situation, get motivated to take action and enjoy!

Find out how Hempcrete has been used to create a Passive House. Kirstie from Shelter Building Designer was the designer of the first Hempcrete Passive House in NSW. Find out why traditional insulation materials often do not perform as intended and why Hempcrete overcomes these issues. Condensation and mould, which are often unseen in houses, can create an unhealthy indoor environment and can cause disease. Learn about the importance of vapour permeability in building materials and how Hempcrete can contribute to healthy indoor air quality.

A talk on our 23 years of living and running a successful off grid business and life, straw bale build and sustainability integration. This will be an insight into our personal experiences , with tips for success, and our lessons gleaned from mistakes and challenges. We're happy to share knowledge on how we live and navigate life off grid with questions and interaction encouraged.

Join fourth-generation sambar hunter Paul Boag for Hunting Stories, a captivating talk that takes you deep into the wilds of Australia. With a family legacy of over 100 years in sambar deer hunting, Paul shares memorable tales from a lifetime spent in nature. From thrilling encounters and unexpected challenges to reflections on wildlife and the changing landscape, Paul’s stories offer a unique glimpse into the life of a seasoned hunter. Known for his skill in capturing nature’s beauty through photography, Paul weaves imagery and experience, bringing the hunt to life. Perfect for nature lovers and hunting enthusiasts alike.

Think you might want to be a beekeeper but not sure how to get started? Come hear answers to the FAQ of beginner beekeepers like; How much time does it take? What are the hive and equipment options? How much space do I need? What are the rules? How much does it all cost? How do I learn to be a good beekeeper? Can kids be involved? What are the benefits?
Come take the next step into this sweet and fascinating world!

Join sustainability champions Jade Miles and Su Dennett for an inspiring conversation about regenerative living, community resilience, and ethical food systems. As a farmer, author, and co-founder of Black Barn Farm, Jade brings her deep insights into food sovereignty and practical sustainability. Su, a pioneer in the permaculture movement, brings decades of wisdom on community-driven approaches to sustainable living. Together, they'll explore how small choices can create big impacts, discussing everything from local food production to simple, meaningful lifestyle changes. Don’t miss this chance to hear from two visionaries dedicated to building a healthier, more resilient future!

Join Discovered Foods in exploring a new way to enjoy meat that's ethical, sustainable, and rooted in environmental balance. This talk introduces the idea of turning invasive species like wild deer and boar into a nutritious, low-impact protein source, addressing issues like habitat damage and food waste. Discover how every animal harvested by Discovered Food lives entirely in the wild, free from captivity or chemicals, creating a meat option that's both clean and ecologically sound. Join the conscious carnivore movement and see how your plate can support healthier ecosystems.

Join the expert team from Energy Safe Victoria to find out about the different laws that apply to DIY solar installs for the various types of dwellings from Caravans and Tiny Homes, to full size residential dwellings. How to ensure your electrical work is safe and how to ensure your hiring reputable tradies for your project.

Join Dr Peter Cock, Co founder of Moora Moora cooperative community, sociologist and Vic president of the sustainable living foundation as he unravels his 50 year journey of living in an off grid intentional community. Speaking about the potential, as well as the ups and downs of community life.

In this talk Peter will take a communal approach, allowing your questions to drive the details explored creating a humble and heart warming experience for everyone who attends.

Dreaming of your own off-grid property? Are you on a budget and need some tips to help find that perfect bit of land? This is the workshop for you! Good projects start with great planning and learning from those who have done it before and can offer lived experience!

MUST PRE-BOOK – SEE WORKSHOPS PAGE: www.offgridevent.com.au/workshopsprogram

Transforming your plot from grass/weeds to a productive growing space is fraught with challenges. Come along and learn the process that the permaculture folk at Grow Resilience use for their clients to ensure they are successful in growing their own nutrient dense, chemical free food right at home. This talk also includes a demo with their BCS walking tractor and how this is used to prepare no-dig permabeds.

Making your own homemade salami can seem a little daunting, but in reality this art has been practiced in backyards all over the world for 100's of years and when you get a handle on the basic principals you too will have what it takes to join the 'salami army'.

MUST PRE-BOOK - See full details and book via workshops page - www.offgridevent.com.au/workshopsprogram

Watch & Learn Demonstration. Have you ever wanted to learn the art of making a butcher quality snag? Or why the Italians and Spanish make such great sausages?

MUST PRE-BOOK - See full details and book via workshops page - www.offgridevent.com.au/workshopsprogram

This panel explores the current state of the sustainable building industry in Australia and how natural materials are being integrated into modern construction practices within the framework of the National Construction Code (NCC). Experts will discuss the latest trends in eco-friendly building, including the growing demand for sustainable, low-impact homes, and the challenges of using natural materials in compliance with Australian regulations. Learn about the opportunities, limitations, and innovations shaping the future of natural building in Australia, and how the NCC is evolving to support these sustainable practices.

Join expert knife maker Rob Herbert from R&N Blades for an in-depth knife guide. With years of experience crafting high-quality, practical blades, Rob will share insights on selecting the right knife for various tasks, from hunting and butchering to general outdoor survival. Learn about blade materials, sharpening techniques, and maintenance tips to keep your knife in top condition and more. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and anyone interested in sustainable, hands-on skills, this talk is a unique chance to gain expert knowledge and elevate your blade skills directly from a seasoned professional.

Join expert knife maker Rob Herbert from R&N Blades for an in-depth knife guide. With years of experience crafting high-quality, practical blades, Rob will share insights on selecting the right knife for various tasks, from hunting and butchering to general outdoor survival. Learn about blade materials, sharpening techniques, and maintenance tips to keep your knife in top condition and more. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and anyone interested in sustainable, hands-on skills, this talk is a unique chance to gain expert knowledge and elevate your blade skills directly from a seasoned professional.

Your Ultimate Guide To Off-Grid Solar covers everything off-grid. We will be looking at lithium batteries vs AGM, when and why you may need a cabinet for your off-grid system, how off-grid systems are calculated and what you should look out for when going off-grid. This is a great talk for those looking to set-up an off-grid system and understand the process and system components better.

Join hunter, chef, and author Ross O’Meara for an immersive venison cooking demonstration that highlights the rich flavors of wild game. With expertise in sustainable hunting and ethical food practices, Ross will guide attendees through the art of preparing and cooking venison. He’ll share practical tips on butchering, seasoning, and cooking techniques suited to various cuts, from grilling to slow-cooking, all while emphasizing the health and sustainability benefits of venison. Perfect for food enthusiasts and home cooks alike, this demo is a unique chance to learn from a master and elevate your wild game cooking skills.

Join hunter, chef, and author Ross O’Meara for an immersive venison cooking demonstration that highlights the rich flavors of wild game. With expertise in sustainable hunting and ethical food practices, Ross will guide attendees through the art of preparing and cooking venison. He’ll share practical tips on butchering, seasoning, and cooking techniques suited to various cuts, from grilling to slow-cooking, all while emphasizing the health and sustainability benefits of venison. Perfect for food enthusiasts and home cooks alike, this demo is a unique chance to learn from a master and elevate your wild game cooking skills.

Qualified trade butcher and experienced teacher Brent Ibrom, will demonstrate the breakdown of a whole pig carcass - you will be guided through the individual muscle groups, and in the process he will highlight which parts of the animal you use to make bacon, what goes into sausages and where to find the best roasting pieces.

MUST PRE-BOOK - See full details and book via workshops page - www.offgridevent.com.au/workshopsprogram