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LETS have a ball to rejoice cashless idea twenty-year celebration of the money-free trade system |
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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 25 October 2007 |
MALENY LETS is celebrating 20
years next month and marking the anniversary with a Decadent Double
Decade Ball at the Community Centre on November 2.
LETS, or Local Energy Transfer System, is a community organization and cashless debit-credit system where people can trade goods and services without the use of money. Members use a ‘check’ book to pay for goods and services in local currency (called bunyas in Maleny) and trade with each other via a trading list, a newsletter and monthly markets.
LETS began in Canada in the early 1980s. Started by Michael Linton, a Scottish economist, it initially took off through the permaculture network in British Columbia, where a local resident Lea Harrison, first heard of it and brought the information back to Maleny. In 1987 Jill Jordan and Ian Smith visited Michael Linton in Canada and returned to establish the first LETS in Maleny.
Other founding members include Robin Clayfield, Jane Skrandies, Andru Martin and Peter Pamment.
“Maleny LETS began with people trading services in natural therapies, gardening services and surplus produce,” Maleny LETS trustee Ann Jupp said. “It had over 300 members in the first year and seemed to grow exponentially. People had more time in those days to trade skills. Today we have 120 active members, but if the global economy crashes, we are here!”
In the meantime there is a ball to celebrate. Entry to the LETS Ball is $10 plus five Bunyas for members, $15 and $12 concession for non-members. There are prizes for the most decadent outfit, most original outfit, best recycled outfit, best dancing couple and best hair or headdress. Entertainment includes music by Wasabi with special guests. Finger food and bar available. Doors open at 7pm.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 25 October 2007 )
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Range News 2005 - ON 
