Peter – Innovating PermacultureWest
by Simmone Sache
Peter has been a part of PermacultureWest since 1988, making him one of the longest-serving members. Over the years, he’s held almost every committee role and currently serves as both Treasurer and Membership Coordinator. Thanks to his problem-solving skills and love of technology, Peter automated the membership process, making it easier to have the positions fit together as one.
Peter has always been an early adopter of technology, using the internet to streamline processes since the 90s. In 1996, he played a key role as a leading organiser of the International Permaculture Conference and Convergence (IPC6) in Perth and published the conference proceedings online—an innovative move at the time.
That mindset of “Why not try something new?” has been consistent throughout Peter’s life. “I’m a learner of new skills,” he shares. His expertise has been instrumental in managing Permaculture West’s website and other technology needs, helping the association adapt to changing times.
PermacultureWest, like Peter, has evolved significantly since the early days. “We used to meet monthly at various locations – the last one being the Bassendean Community Centre. We relied on a printed newsletter for information and learned through talks and hands-on workshops.”
Today, with so much information available online, Peter sees a new challenge for the association. “The core of permaculture is still about building community and helping people connect. You can’t get that online. But we need to evolve to meet the needs of our members in this new era.”
Peter’s logical approach and strong grasp of permaculture principles make him a key voice in shaping the future of PermacultureWest. While many find permaculture complex, Peter sees it as an opportunity to teach, share, and support others as they navigate their sustainability journeys.
Q&As
What’s one small change you’ve made that has had the biggest impact?
Learning about permaculture principles shifted the way I think. It’s a small change with a big impact. I now observe more, try to think holistically, and consider the consequences of every decision.
For example, I built a pergola on the hot side of the house to block summer sun and keep it cool inside. It’s just one part of the solution. Our home is comfortable without air conditioning thanks also to high ceilings with fans, great insulation, shading on the back deck, and an established peppermint tree that blocks the late afternoon sun. Small, thoughtful changes like these work together to create a much bigger impact.
Do you think individual action is worthless if corporations aren’t doing it?
It’s not worthless, but it’s challenging. It’s crucial for individuals to come together as a community to scale their efforts. Small groups can have a big impact, and you see this in consumer choices.
Take farming as an example. Regenerative farming is growing rapidly because consumers want to know where their food comes from and who profits from it. Farmers are now focusing on sustainability and quality instead of just quantity. They’re reducing overheads, improving their land, and creating something they can proudly pass on to the next generation. It’s proof that collective action can drive real change, even in larger systems.