Grow Your Own Vegetables
Turn a corner of the schoolyard into a classroom garden and learn where food comes from.
A campaign by Palms International Volunteering
September 2026 · Australia-wide
Discover what matters.
This September, choose a simple living exercise and discover what truly matters. Join Australians across the country supporting Palms' work in the Asia-Pacific.
Our 65-year story
Why Simplicity September?
For 65 years, Palms International Volunteering has sent skilled Australians to work as neighbours in Asia-Pacific communities. They have not gone to deliver their own solutions as short term consultants, but rather, to respond to requests from these communities, and to learn from them how best to use the skills they bring over periods of 1-2 years.
That's community development. The community sets the goals. And there is mutual growth: the community gains capacity, the volunteer gains perspective, and the partnership endures.
The learning is as diverse as the placements. However there is one common observation reported by our volunteers: a simple life is a good life.
Simplicity September turns that posture into an exercise at home. When we choose simpler living (less consumption, more attention, more presence), we give ourselves the opportunity to taste something of the Palms' volunteer experience. By inviting our circle to support and sponsor our experience, we also extend Palms' solidarity with partner communities.
To find out more about Palms International Volunteering, visit palms.org.au. Feel free to share this link with someone you know who might like to spend a year volunteering their skills overseas!
For schools
Bring Your Class
Anchor September around a curriculum-consistent lesson of your choosing with activities that grow curiosity, connection and care.
Screen-Free Time
Trade tablets for outdoor learning. Books under a tree, observations in a journal.
Reduce Waste Challenge
Challenge your school to reduce waste. Eliminate single-use plastics, compost food scraps, recycle thoughtfully. Notice what you actually need.
Nature Connection
Plan a bush excursion and let students slow down with the trees, soil and sky.
For families
Bring Your Family
Pick one exercise and weave it through your family's September. Small rituals, real conversation.
Grow Your Own Food
Start a backyard or balcony plot together. A weekly ritual the whole family shares.
Screen-Free Time
One evening a week, no phones or TV. Board games, conversation, slow dinners.
Walk or Cycle Instead
Leave the car at home for the weekend outing. Discover your neighbourhood at human pace.
Mend Instead of Buy
Pick up a needle or tool. Repair a sleeve, darn a sock, fix a bike, replace a tap washer—slow down with your hands.
For individuals
Bring Yourself
Choose one exercise for the month. Notice what shifts when you make a little more room.
Forest Bathing
Step into a park or bushland alone. No agenda, no phone. Just attention.
Contemplation
Spend time in contemplation. Light a candle. Linger longer in church to rest in the presence of God. Introduce an evening gratitude practice. Ten minutes is enough to start.
Mend Instead of Buy
Pick up a needle or tool. Repair a sleeve, darn a sock, fix a bike, replace a tap washer—slow down with your hands.
Connect to Creativity
(Re)Discover the simple pleasure of nurturing your own creativity, alone or in community.