RetroSuburbia

About the Author

David Holmgren was born in Fremantle WA in 1955 and raised in the suburbs by parents who were bookshop proprietors and committed anti-war and social justice activists. As an Environmental Design student in Hobart in the mid 1970s he developed a close mentor relationship with then psychology lecturer Bill Mollison and between them they created permaculture. David and his partner Su Dennett live at 'Melliodora' in Hepburn, Victoria, which they built in the mid-80s on one hectare of land in a small town suburban street of mostly quarter acre blocks. It is now one of the best-known permaculture demonstration sites in Australia. Within the growing and international permaculture movement, David is respected for his commitment to presenting ideas through practical projects and teaching by personal example, showing that a permaculture lifestyle is a realistic, attractive and powerful alternative to dependant consumerism. As well as constant involvement in the practical side of permaculture, David is passionate about the philosophical and conceptual foundations for sustainability and resilience that are highlighted in his book, Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability. It is the text that has expanded permaculture beyond the garden and farm to the redesign of lives in ways that reflect ecological realities. The publication in 2009 of Future Scenarios: how communities can adapt to peak oil and climate change led to recognition of David as a futurist while his teaching, writing and public speaking became increasingly focused on suburbia as the place where most Australians could survive and thrive energy descent futures. RetroSuburbia: the downshifter's guide to a resilient future is the culmination of this positive vision based on more than four decades of lived experience of, and education about, personal, household and community wellbeing informed by permaculture ethics and principles. David Holmgren provides leadership with his refreshing and unorthodox approach to the issues of our time. Brenna draws for the likes of the United Nations, the Australian Red Cross, the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, Costa's Garden series of children's books and CSIRO.Brenna is regarded as one of Australia's leading sustainability educators, and has spoken at some of the world's biggest festivals, from Glastonbury in the UK to Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland.She has ridden a second-hand bicycle from Canada to Panama, taught permaculture across South America and Australia, and she hasn't bought a new item of clothing in over ten years. Her creative advocacy has earned her international acclaim; she was the winner of the prestigious Circle Awards in 2022, and has been profiled by the most celebrated in sustainability media.