We’ve been recording in Fitzroy Crossing this week, and reflecting on the blessing of hearing from a number of elders here in the Kimberley. This includes one of the recordings from Fitzroy which will be out soon. And today, as we prepare to leave this permaculture paradise of recent guest, Wendy Albert, and head back to Kachana Station, it brought to mind another permaculture legend who cut her teeth here in the Kimberley – as a 15 year old jillaroo back in the ‘50s.

This is an excerpt of episode 154 with Rowe, featuring the last 20 minutes or so of our conversation. It was recorded near Fremantle WA late last year, when she was touring her new, fully revised, classic tome of the ‘90s - the Earth Restorer’s Guide to Permaculture. It even closes with Rowe reciting some old station songs from her time in the Kimberley, before a few of her favourite people, in the Formidable Vegetable band, lend us a song to go out with (celebrating their new album launch at the time).

We pick up the conversation from where Rowe talks of permaculture needing to take next steps now – to go from being an ‘alternative’ to becoming part of the way things are generally done. She lays down the gauntlet for those who are ready to embrace a journey that explores the transformative power of permaculture and its potential to instigate systemic change. And explores how coming together with the wisdom of traditional cultures can help lead to planetary restoration.

Rowe goes on to talk about the courage of various women that have inspired her. There are tales of bravery and endurance from the Quaker women during the Vietnam War, Las Abuelas of Argentina, and the Black Sash women in Africa. We also hear about the crucial role she sees in engaging with local governments. And as we wrap up, we chat about who's taking up the mantle of Rosemary's enormous legacy, and the unique part music plays in connecting us across cultures and traditions.

To hear the conversation in full, head to episode 154 (see the link below).

Head here for automatic cues to chapter markers, and a transcript of this conversation (note the transcript is AI generated and imperfect, but hopefully provides greater access to these conversations for those who need or like to read).

Recorded on 24 November 2022.

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Music:
Earth People Fair, by Formidable Veget

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Pre-roll music: Heartland Rebel, by Steven Beddall (sourced from Artlist).

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