In late March, the Big Weekend of Sustainable Living Ideas festival was held – and turned out to be one of the largest events ever held in the Bridge­water area.

Sustainable Living Tasmania celebrated their 50th birthday at the event, held at the Brigh­ton Civic Centre hall, lecture theatre, carpark and extended through the parkland and into the Botanical Institute down by the water. The massive week­end saw over 100 exhibitors, presenters, workshop hosts and entertainers all share their ideas, projects and initiatives which focused on more sustain­able ways of living.

Highlights included a no-dig veggie garden workshop host­ed by Gardening Australia’s and Goodlife Permaculture’s Hannah Moloney, as well as cooking demonstrations by Matthew Evans from Fat Pig Farm, where he used a kitchen powered by an electric vehicle. Attendees could also join in on the clothing, toy and book swap, and bring broken house­hold items along for the East­side Repair Cafe.

For all the foodies, growers and creatives in the commu­nity, the indigenous bushfood workshops were presented by Palawa Kipli, fermentation demonstrations from chef Vlad, pottery classes, foreshore walks and talks presented by Land­care Tas, along with hot-com­posting workshops.

Electric vehicles from the Good Car Co were on site to check out as well as the electric race car from UTAS Motorsports – a real treat for any car enthusiast! Everyone was also encouraged to bring along a non-perishable food item to donate to the Jor­dan River Services Food pantry.

The weekend was an over­whelming success where people could come along and learn something new, have fun and, most importantly, get involved with living sustainably.