Okay, so we all know that it’s wet in Queensland now. I simply refuse to talk about flooding rains, landslides, mould and stinky mud! Sitting on the front doorstep this morning I noticed some of the small things…the way the native violets are absolutely thriving and beginning to create delightful pathways through the kikuyu grass with their heart-shaped leaves and tiny purple and white flowers. How the rose bush in the front garden, which I relentlessly pruned back before Christmas, is covered in medallions of maroon-red leaves and has two small buds preparing to burst into soft, fragrant petals over the coming weeks. And how our resident chickens enjoy their free-ranging forays beyond the chook tractor – how peaceful and contented they are to potter and scratch in the grass. As Beech Mountain’s forests teem with free-flowing waterfalls over rockfaces and cliffs, I must say, I am enjoying the small things of life from the steps of my cosy home.

‘What’s happening with Ethos?’ is a question that’s been asked a lot over the past few months as news of the sale of the Ridge on Binna Burra and Ethos Centre has informally circulated through a variety of sustainability grapevines.

I’d like to simply and concisely explain what’s happening from the Ethos Foundation’s perspective.

The Ridge on Binna Burra property at Binna Burra in South East Queensland was sold in late January 2008 to a Brisbane company called Live International. I understand that the Ridge’s original vision about the creation of a sustainable ecovillage, educational centre and restorative retreat like proposed Ethos Centre is likely to continue to be a key part of Live International’s development and that the new owner is very interested in sustainability and community.

Following on from the Ethos Foundation’s August 2007 Roundtable at Parliament House in Brisbane, the Foundation, with leadership from Ken McLeod, has been developing a local climate change leaders network across south east Queensland and northern NSW as the major focus of our bioregional partnership program.

The Foundation is currently encouraging the formation of local networking hubs at the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Northern Rivers and Coffs Coast.

A number of events are being held within the Climate Change Leaders Network and these are outlined in this article.