My Story
I come from a family deeply connected to the land, where culture and history spark in me a joy to work and live with plants, animals, and the natural cycles of nature. This connection to the land has always been a part of who I am, even as life took me in other directions. For many years, I worked in the construction industry in Australia, gaining diverse skills and learning the value of hard work. Yet, I couldn’t ignore the overabundance I saw in a country that thrives on a consumer economy. I’ve always believed in the importance of recycling, reusing, and recreating from materials we seem to have too much of—or simply don’t bother finding uses for—especially when we have the opportunities and resources to do so.
After years of running my own small business, I found myself caught in a cycle of work and earning that created an unhealthy habit of trading my life hours and the health of my body for a living. I couldn’t keep going down that path, knowing it was costing me something I could never get back. I knew I needed to decompress, so I took a leap, traveling for nearly two years and volunteering on small farms and properties. These experiences brought out of me what was always there—a deep, unshakable connection to the land.
“The principles of permaculture are based on nature’s wisdom, and by applying them to our daily lives, we can create a positive impact on the planet and on future generations.”
~ David Holmgren
While traveling, I stumbled across permaculture and the principles it offers to design sustainable, healthy ecosystems. The idea that we could create systems to live in harmony with nature—without sacrificing comfort or thriving—resonated deeply with me. When I returned to Australia, I was ready to channel this newfound energy into something meaningful. The essence of Suma—a Croatian word meaning forest—became the name of my business, a constant reminder of my roots and my belief that we are all a part of Earth’s intricate web. Just like a forest, permaculture offers a way to design systems that regenerate the land, foster balance, and promote harmony with nature.
I found a teacher running permaculture design courses on a property he had cultivated over 25 years. What I saw there was nothing short of incredible. They had achieved growing most of the food they needed to sustain not only their family but also upwards of 30 students, volunteers, and interns every month. They gathered free energy through solar and other renewable sources, and their water harvesting systems ensured water security, making the property drought-resistant. This system had proven itself during the worst drought NSW faced in 2017. Seeing all of this in action was enough to convince me that this wasn’t just a vision—it was a practical, achievable way of life.
With Suma Permaculture, I bring together my years of experience in construction, my passion for sustainable living, and the lessons I’ve learned from permaculture to help others design systems that work in harmony with nature. Whether it’s creating resilient food systems, harnessing renewable energy, or building water security, I believe we can create solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
My mission is simple: to help others build a life that thrives with nature, and aligns with what we truly value. Let’s work together to create spaces that inspire, nurture, and stand as examples of what’s possible when we reconnect with the land.
Ready to make a lasting impact with your own sustainable space?
Take the first step toward creating your own thriving, sustainable system by booking a call with me today. Together, we’ll explore how you can reconnect with the land and build a future that harmonises with nature.