Kingston local government area is in the south east suburbs of Melbourne. Transition Kingston people were part of the Transition Streets National Working Group that created the National Transition Streets workbook. Then they started a Transition Streets group, which grew to become Transition Kingston. Here is their story.
Group meeting at Chelsea Heights Community Centre
Transition Kingston supported by Kingston Council have introduced a neighbourhood sustainability program called Transition Streets.
Transition Streets brings neighbours together to discuss ways in which they can lessen their impact on the environment. Many of the strategies also help to save on household bills.
A group of neighbours meet monthly for a few months to share their ideas on how to reduce their consumption of resources. A workbook divided into chapters on Energy, Water, Food, Waste and Transport helps to guide and inform the discussion.
Transition Streets pilot group get together
Residents of Como Pde, Parkdale were the first to participate in the program. Joanne commented “The greatest benefit of Transition Streets was being inspired by what others in my neighbourhood were doing. It was also lovely to meet people who live close by. I was getting tired of having one car for my family of four but was inspired to keep going after the group did the transport chapter.”
From Julie and Mike “We achieved a lot through the transitions group. It raised consciousness about reducing waste, reaffirms some of the things we had been doing in reducing power needs, eliminating as much plastic as possible and sharing resources. This network overlaps for us into other areas such as Beach Patrol, walking groups and community gardens. It is lovely to network with neighbours who have become friends”.
Many of the Transition Streets group still meet to exchange ideas and one of the members has started a local share group. Home grown produce, tools, mulch, seedlings, wicking beds, compost worms and personal skills have all been on offer.
If you would like to participate in or start up a Transition Streets group in your street you can email Transition Kingston at transitionkingston@gmail.com. Chelsea Heights Community Centre also participate in the program.