The once neglected headspace yard has now been transformed into a thriving permaculture garden with pond, fire pit, herb and veggie garden and a mini native forest in the heart of the CBD.

Now, the Blue Mountains Pluriversity and its Permaculture Institute, The Big Fix Ltd are offering free permaculture classes for young people aged 16-24 in Lithgow.

The courses will be held in the Just Transitions Hub at Lithgow's former Western Sydney University campus.

The Big Fix founder Lis Bastian said she was thrilled to be getting things under way.

"Our permaculture courses will be some of the first exciting learning opportunities for young people.

"They're part of a project called The Lithgow Sprint, in honour of runner Marjorie Jackson, because we're hoping to be as fast as Marjorie in improving life for young people in Lithgow," she said.

A free introduction to permaculture will be held during the school holidays on Wednesday, April 7.

There will also be a free 72 hour Permaculture Design Course, offering young people the opportunity to gain experience in designing better systems for the future with inspiring mentors like Costa.

"These courses will provide a way for participants to connect with other young people so that they can work together to build community, a regenerative micro-farm at the PCYC, and new social enterprises to create jobs in Lithgow," Ms Bastian said,

The design course will be held three days a week from April 14 to May 7.

The Lithgow Sprint has been made possible because of funding received from Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, as part of the Australian Government's Empowering our Communities initiative.

Bookings are essential for both courses as numbers are strictly limited. To secure a place by contact Lis on 0407 437 553 or email lis@thebigfix.org

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