Deborah commenced her studies in permaculture at Ryde TAFE, when she completed an Introduction to Permaculture course in April 2010. She then enrolled in Certificate IV in Permaculture with the National Environment Centre, Riverina TAFE and graduated in December 2011, receiving the “Virginia Solomon Award for Achievement in Permaculture”.

Deborah has completed workshops on various subjects including, compost tea brewing, bee keeping, pruning and grafting and preserving food. She is currently engaged in studies in horticulture through Western Sydney TAFE.

Deborah is an active member of Permaculture Sydney North (PSN) and has been a member of both the shows team and garden team since joining PSN in early 2010. She is currently team leader of the Garden Team.

In 2010 the Shows Team was awarded the inaugural “2010 Sydney Royal Easter Show Environmental Services to Education Award” for their display “Solving the World’s Problems in Your Backyard”.

Deborah’s garden featured in Geoff Lawton’s DVD “Urban Permaculture” and she was awarded 2nd prize for best edible/permaculture garden in the 2011 Ryde Council’s Spring Garden Competition.