Candlenut Steiner School will host the 10th Australasian Permaculture Convergence next month, attracting speakers from around the world including actress and prominent environmental activist Daryl Hannah.

From September 24 to 27, Candlenut School's tranquil rainforest setting in Kuranda will become a hive of activity as leading environmentalists and enthusiasts from around the world discuss sustainability and general regional solutions to the challenges presented by climate change, depleted energy stores and other pressing environmental issues.

Candlenut Steiner school is the only Steiner school in Far North Queensland and currently caters for students from Kindergarten to Class 7 with plans to begin offering High School from 2011.  There are currently 130 children enjoying the benefits of an holistic Steiner education at Candlenut.

The educational and cultural impulses which shape the ethos of Candlenut, are based on the insights offered by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. Rudolf Steiner was also the founder of biodynamic farming; regarded by some as the first modern ecological farming system and one of the most sustainable. Biodynamic farming has much in common with other organic approaches, such as emphasizing the use of manures and composts and excluding of the use of artificial chemicals on soil and plants.  All children at Candlenut participate in the school's established gardening program, which works with the principles of biodynamics and permaculture. The school is happy to support any movements in the wider community that are working towards a more sustainable future and are honoured to host the Australasian Permaculture Convergence in September.

The school community is managing catering for the Gala Dinner, which is to feature an exciting menu of locally sourced produce. Hollywood celebrity Daryl Hannah will visit the school as Keynote Speaker at APC10's Gala Dinner on September 26.  Business manager Majella Smith says, "We have acquired local, very experienced chefs from Nature's Kitchen to cater for all meals for the four-day event. We are expecting up to 300 guests and the main aim in supplying food for the 11 exciting meals, including the Gala Dinner, is to provide produce from as close to the school as possible; supporting local farmers and reducing important food miles."

Major General Michael Jeffery, former Governor General of Australia, will speak at the event's Opening Ceremony on September 24, with other speakers including Permaculture Co-founder Mr Bill Mollison and SBS Television's Costa Georgiadis, of Costa's Gardening Odyssey.