Hannah Moloney

I’m a permaculturalist based in urban Hobart. Permaculture is a design framework to create sustainable human settlements - a wholistic approach to design and living. I see it as a form of positive, nourishing activism – advocating for a way of life through actually DOING it. 

 To me, meaningful work is my happy, creative place, so besides playing with my young daughter and partner, all I want to do is get back to work, either in the garden or whatever projects I’ve got on the go. 

I want to do good. I feel the challenges of the world deeply and urgently. I don’t think we have time to do anything else but address climate change, actively support First Nation Australians in healing, foster regenerative agriculture, advocate for food sovereignty and dismantle the patriarchy and white supremacy. 

 It’s a long, scary list – but all I see is opportunity to create an amazing world. We have everything we need to turn this ship around, except formal leadership. This type of progressive change doesn’t benefit the few people who hold the majority of the power and wealth in our world. We need clear intellect, focused action, love and tenderness to create a world worth leaving for future generations. 

 I wear many hats as the Director of Good Life Permaculture. I’m also in our garden every morning, milking and tending to our goats, chickens and veggie garden. 

 I grew up on a city farm of sorts in inner city Brisbane. We had a ¾ acre herb nursery for 18 years in the middle of the city. This obviously helped shaped my passion for plants and understanding of what’s possible when it comes to urban agriculture.

 I dream of (and actively work towards) a world where social, cultural and environmental balance is restored. We’re more powerful, more resourceful and more intelligent than we might realise. I spend a lot of time when teaching emphasising this in the hope that people will be inspired into action, so they can live their beautiful lives like they matter. Because they really, really do. 

 Some people have called me an idealist in the past, as if that’s a bad thing. You bet I dream big! We need to drop this boring, unhelpful approach to keeping business as usual and outgrow the status quo. 

 Good Life Permaculture is focused on building more traction around permaculture in Tasmania and beyond. In the 5 years since we started teaching and running community projects we’ve noticed a wonderful rising of  permaculture-type initiatives happening which makes our hearts sing. 

 Things that have brought me deep joy in recent years are my rich relationship with my partner, coal mines closing down, living with my goats and garden, well designed and implemented permaculture landscapes, young students striking for climate change and snuggling my daughter first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Everything I do is for her and her fellow little people. 

Photography by Ninna Millikin

This project was assisted by Bellendena Small Grants and City Of Hobart