Kim Petersen Jarrahdale Oct 30 | PlanBig.com.au

Kim Petersen, creator of the Forest Green Reserve plan, made it happen on October 30, 2010. After more than two years of writing letters, getting petitions signed and refusing to give up, stage one of Forest Green Reserve was finally launched to a very excited community. PlanBig was there to celebrate with Kim – hope you enjoy a little peek at a wonderful day with an inspiring PlanBigger!

The first episode of MasterChef aired last night – did you love it as much as we did?

Lots of talented PlanBiggers have been sharing their recipes and cooking up a storm for some great causes. Here are a few you might like to check out:

Growing the seeds of hope in Khirala village

Bhakti’s cooking classes helped finance her development project in Khirala village, empowering villagers to take their first steps towards becoming self sufficient in water, energy and food production, and they continue to support these villagers today. She shared this yummy coconut cabbage recipe at the PlanBig Community Cookup back in January and this side dish or salad substitute is definitely worth a peek! Find out more about her plan here.

The Big Feed

Kay recently launched The Big Feed, a national sustainable fundraising campaign for the Children’s Food Education Foundation aimed at improving the health and well-being of disadvantaged youth. Members of the community all around Australia can get involved by hosting a “big feed” – whether it be a breakfast, lunch or dinner party, a coffee break or a bake-off – the concept is flexible and you can make it your own! She recently posted a fabulous, quick and easy pizza recipe. Check out the recipe here.

And for more recipes that are not only delicious but also sustainable, stay tuned for these up-and-coming plans…

Making a Meal of It blog

Rosemary  knows that the reduction of waste is a big step towards achieving a sustainable world. After writing Making a Meal of It (in shops soon) her big idea is to start a blog, to give people new ideas on how to make the most of food. No-one likes the guilty feeling you get when you have to throw food out. If you would like to show her plan some love, and if you have some food saving tips you’d like to share, click here. Stay tuned for the blog launch.

Australian seasonal guide for fruit and vegetables iPhone app

Sharon is in the process of creating a mobile application for local seasonal fruit and veggies. With a seasonal guide, flavour tips and a recipe blog, as well as tips for dealing with flood food, we can’t wait for its release! Her Beta blog is up and running with some tasty treats you might like to try, and you can also sign up to be alerted when the app hits the market. Find out more here.

It’s Social Inclusion Week!

This week is all about connecting with local communities, work mates, family and friends to build relationships and networks to support people who may be unable to help themselves.

 Not sure how to get involved? We’ve profiled planners from around the country who need your help! Check them out:

VIC: Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival

Colin is bringing the first ever Blues and Roots Festival to Central Victoria this weekend. He hopes to shine a light on some of the amazing local talent and give music lovers a fun, free, family-friendly event that gives everyone the opportunity to experience the thrill of a live music event. Head to one of the events this weekend!

SA: Bears for Birthdays

Alicia is trying to make birthdays more special for kids in foster homes by sending them birthday cards and teddy bears. Do you have a blank birthday card or teddy bear you’d like to donate? Get in touch here.

ACT: The Big Bee

Anne is trying to get the Canberra community together this weekend to help cleanup and work on their backyards. Anne hopes the Big Bee will connect friends, families and neighbours to do something different for their community. Volunteer now!

NSW: Win-Win Community Trading

Irene wants to help people with limited career options use their natural abilities to make money through community collaboration. Do you know someone who chould be involved? Spread the word now.

WA: Arts & Crafts Against Digital Boredom

Saskia is trying to get families out and about and doing something educational and entertaining together through arts and crafts. Are you looking for a creative outlet this weekend? Find out more here.

QLD: Feed our Hungry

Megan’s charitable organisation, Feed Our Hungry (FOH), is trying to feed low income families and homeless people in Brisbane. FOH needs a kitchen to help even more people every day. Do you know someone who can help?

TAS: Eco Launderette 

Tim hopes to launch a sustainable launderette that is disconnected from the power grid, uses and re-uses its own water supply and generates power and steam from geothermal energy and solar power. Show your support here.

The new year has kicked off with a bang – with more and more plans popping up and achieving success with the help of our much loved supporters.

Our community continues to grow as we start the year with 2,680 likes on Facebook and 2,127 followers on Twitter – we really appreciate the ongoing support from all of you!

Some of our January highlights included:


Clipsal 500 Adelaide – The Race that Rocks

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Clipsal 500 Adelaide plan is a success! JDRF set out to recruit volunteers to attend the Clipsal 500 Adelaide this March to help shake tins, sell merchandise and dress as the JDRF Giant Jelly Baby mascot. JDRF has successfully recruited up to 60 volunteers per day for the event, and each will contribute to the ultimate goal of raising awareness about type 1 diabetes and $100,000 towards type 1 diabetes research. Read more about this plan here.


Dismantle – Bike Recycling

After a year and a half from concept to delivery and hundreds of volunteering hours dedicated to this project, the Dismantle plan is a success! With a vision of creating a vibrant community hub that celebrates sustainability, physical health, environmental friendly living and recycling, Dismantle has achieved all of this and more using bicycles as a medium for generating long-term social change. Hats off to Dismantle – check out the plan here.


Angels House

The Angels House plan was to help equip kids in care with the skills needed to lead successful and fulfilling lives. The plan has seen many achievements such as a steady army of volunteers working hard to help kids in crisis or care, the Wagga Wagga community donating items for crisis care packages, and care packages being sent to multiple states for kids in crisis or care. Congratulations to all involved on this great cause! Show your support here.


There are more inspiring plans to get behind next month – here are a few to check out:

Walk every day for 60 days kicked off on January 3^rd

The Arcadia International Environmental Film Festival plan started on January 12^th

Be Creative, Save a Life started on January 25^th

PlanBig had the chance to go down to the Bendigo Mall and have a chat with Karen Lucas and Robbie Bayliss from CVISE (Central Victorian Ice Sports & Entertainment) about the success of the temporary ice skating rink.

Support links below!

CVISE Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/C-V-I-S-E-Bendigo-Ice-Skating/170847919627898

Karen’s plan on PlanBig - http://www.planbig.com.au/the-long-road-to-a-new-ice-facility-for-bendigo

Follow PlanBig on Twitter - @PlanBig