Moreland Food Gardens Network

My Smart Garden Self-Watering Wicking Bed Workshop 20 November

2021-11-17T14:36:00.003+11:00

Are you thinking about installing wicking beds or have wicking beds already that you're not sure how to use or maintain?

Wicking beds are a type of upside-down watering system well suited to growing veggies in Australian conditions. They use much less water and – even better – require less maintenance than conventional garden beds.

Join local edible gardening business and wicking bed experts Very Edible Gardens (VEG) in this FREE workshop which explains the science and practicalities of wicking beds, their construction and key components, and how to grow in them for an abundance of delicious produce. The demonstration is taking place at the site of the wicking bed planters VEG has installed in the newly created Garrong Park in Brunswick, Moreland.

Date: Saturday 20 November, 2021 10.30 - 11.30am

Location: Garrong Park, 55 - 61 Tinning Street Brunswick

Cost: Free but registration essential and numbers are strictly limited to meet COVIDsafe requirements

Register Here

What to bring: QR Code check-in with vaccination certificate will be required. The workshop is being held outside so be prepared for Melbourne spring weather (rain jacket, jumper, hat etc)

No experience is necessary and residents local to Garrong Park are encouraged to participate and meet others looking forward to community gardening in the park. You may even be inspired to get into some small scale growing at home!

This My Smart Garden workshop is proudly presented by the City of Moreland. Please note that this is an event for City of Moreland / Melbourne gardeners only. Gardening is very context specific so if you live outside Melbourne, please contact your council to find out what free sustainable gardening events are available locally.

For more information, contact Lee Tozzi Food System Officer ltozzi@moreland.vic.gov.au

Protecting public participation: why gardeners are protesting their exclusion from the Collingwood Children’s Farm Community Gardens

2021-08-15T20:12:00.010+10:00

Posted on behalf of Angelica Platt and Jennifer Bowen, Collingwood Children’s Farm community gardeners.

This and an earlier post from 7th July are shared unedited as a service to members of the community.

Please contact Angelica or Jennifer directly if you have questions or comments (their details are included at the end of the article).

We have read the statement posted on the Moreland Food Gardens Network by Dr. Chris Williams on behalf of the Collingwood Children’s Farm Committee of Management on July 7.

The statement discusses the community gardens at the Collingwood Children’s Farm, currently the subject of a dispute between the Committee of Management and its community gardeners following the closing of the gardens in early June (irrespective of COVID). We are concerned that the post published by Dr. Williams presents a highly partisan account of this vexed issue.

We would like to respond, particularly on matters of fact. Some of the details are incidental, others more substantial; but they are the reason a community united by a love of gardening has been galvanised into action.

Peter & David

How well does the Committee of Management actually know its community garden?

i) The post refers to ‘40 or so’ gardeners and ‘48 individual plots’.

FACT there are 70 plots (no 46, being shaded, is used as a seating area); those currently allocated are gardened by a total of 172 people made up of individuals, couples, groups and families. The community garden population is in constant flux, as people join and leave for a range of reasons, so that the number of local residents who have participated over the gardens’ 42-year history, or will do so in the future, is far larger.

ii) The post suggests that the allocation of plots has been inappropriate and lacking in equity, with the implication that the current gardeners – to a person – are not the proper beneficiaries of a community resource.

FACT the allocation of plots has always been done by the Farm itself, acting on behalf of the Committee of Management. Furthermore, the number of unallocated plots has been a bone of contention with community gardeners, pre-Covid and earlier this year. Prior to the closing of the gardens in June 2021, 15 plots were not allocated to anyone at all, hardly a situation that maximises community opportunity to garden. As it is, the current community gardeners are a rich mix of ethnic backgrounds, ages, and circumstances with many having waited years to be allocated a plot.

iii) The post refers to issues identified in a recent safety report as follows: ‘anyone who says a Sunday working bee can fix them … is trivialising [them]in a misleading manner’.

FACT the recently formed Steering Committee for the Collingwood Community Gardeners has strenuously asked to meet with the Farm’s Committee of Management to discuss ways of rectifying current safety concerns, immediately proposing an on-site inspection to clarify the issues; these requests have been barely acknowledged (communication from the farm has consisted largely of social media posts such as this one in Moreland). The CCF Committee also refused to consider professional pro bono offers to remediate hazards (and, for the record, Working Bees are on Saturdays, not Sundays).

Sonia & Evo

How honestly is the farm presenting the issue?

The published statement presents the community gardens as a financial impost on the farm, yet the community gardeners have volunteered thousands of hours of work over the years at monthly working bees; the site is frequently observed with interest and delight by farm visitors from a raised bridge overlooking the gardens. To aid a new development proposed by the farm in early 2019, many gardeners helped prepare spaces in the gardens for communal use; as with all plots, their allocation would be handled by the farm – only these were not allocated at all, no process was established for their use and the areas quickly became choked with weeds.

Elaina

The Committee of Management recently promoted a plan for the community gardens to include an urban agriculture education hub. There has been no business case presented for this, despite the challenges COVID presents to enterprises involving the public (and likely will continue to do so); there is no draft plan, no timeline and, it would appear, no funding. The only certainty is the announcement that the site will be cleared completely and community gardeners excluded for an indefinite period.
Any plan that has such an impact on an established community resource calls for considered consultation. An invitation for ‘design ideas’ has appeared on the farm website; it gives no terms of reference or parameters for conceiving, let alone assessing, such ideas.

The statement posted by Dr.Williams makes a brief reference to CERES, whose community gardens will be closed for a period later this year while redevelopment takes place.

But he fails to note that the CERES development is the consequence of 6 years of consultation, and that gardening has continued throughout this time.

Ivan

Where are we now?

Developments in August offer a glimmer of promise to the Collingwood gardeners, partly as a result of their concerted action in raising the issue locally and politically. The farm occupies Crown Land, which is ultimately the responsibility of the Victorian Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning (DELWP); action by its officers brought the farm’s Committee of Management to a meeting with Community Gardeners on 11 August. No resolution was reached with the Department convening a further meeting –and proposing a joint on-site inspection.

The Farm’s response to this and the planned subsequent meetings has not been made public as yet. Community gardeners are optimistic the process may enable the gardens to be re-opened safely while consultation on future plans take place – to let community gardening prosper in a spirit of cooperation. Updates of community action are available on the community gardeners Facebook site,

As an indication of public support, a petition has so far garnered 2,992 signatures.

Meantime statements like that of Dr. Williams make for bruising reading for the existing community gardeners– uprooted like unwanted weeds, by a management committee who are careless with facts, quick to criticise and choose control rather than collaboration as a means of implementing change.

Community engagement is not as straightforward as growing a row of lettuces; for most vegetables, the principal requirements are light, water and compost. Human beings have different needs; they look for respect and trust, no bullshit.

Best wishes,

Angelica Platt, Abbotsford angelica_p@live.com.au
Jennifer Bowen, Clifton Hill, jennifer.bowen@bigpond.com

Eva, George snr & George jnr

Join us at the Moreland Local Food Forum and Networking event

2021-07-09T17:02:00.003+10:00

Connect, share and celebrate the achievements of our local food community!

Moreland Local Food and Networking

Wednesday 14 July, 5.30 – 7.30pm

Counihan Gallery, 233 Sydney Road, Brunswick

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL through morelandlocalfoodforum.eventbrite.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/321077566413589/

Join us for networking, local food updates and an artistic exploration of the impact of food culture on our wellbeing, rituals and sense of place.

This FREE event includes a private viewing of the Urban Eats exhibition with an introduction by artist Jessie DiBlasi. Featuring works made in response to the rich tapestry of cultural diversity found in Melbourne and the ritual, celebration and sharing of food. Join in conversations about local food projects, including a Q&A with Moreland’s Growing Farmers and an update on the Community Food Hub project.

Network and connect with others who are passionate about creating a sustainable, just and vibrant food system.

- Children welcome, accompanied by an adult

- Light refreshments (vegetarian) provided

- COVIDsafe settings apply - bring a face mask and your own cup / mug

For more information, including access or dietary requirements, contact Lee on 9240 2388

Protecting public land: why we’re refurbishing the community gardens at the Collingwood Children’s Farm

2021-07-07T17:38:00.005+10:00

Posted on behalf of Dr. Chris Williams, a plot holder at the Collingwood Children’s Farm Community Garden, member of the (voluntary) Committee of Management for Collingwood Children’s Farm and Lecturer in Urban Horticulture, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of Melbourne.

The Collingwood Children’s Farm is nestled on the banks of the Birrarung, and close to the heart of many Melbournians. Many people have treasured memories at the Farm of milking a cow, admiring a peacock, or saying their wedding vows under the old Oak. Some have also had the opportunity to tend a plot in the Community Garden, a space which was recently temporarily closed while safety issues are addressed.

There have been some strident voices recently protesting the temporary closure of the Community Garden at the Collingwood Children's Farm, and spreading misinformation to undermine the Farm’s Committee of Management. This was to be expected when someone loses something that they feel they were entitled to, but it's not the whole story.

Technically, the Farm is a Crown Land Reserve managed by volunteers on a Committee of Management (COMs). The COM volunteers are elected by the Farm (as an Incorporated Association) but formally appointed by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. There are 1500 Crown Land Reserve COMs across Victoria managing over 100,000 hectares of public land for recreation, nature conservation and other public benefits. The Farm is also an Incorporated Association and not-for-profit organisation. The Farm's mission (which covers all the features and assets of its 20 acre landscape including the Community Gardens) is to "improve the lives of children, the disadvantaged, disabled, unemployed and marginalised persons within the Victorian community by providing inclusive services and support to build independence and quality of life for Children and Disadvantaged Persons by delivering a range of programs from a community working farm."

Government grants cover less than a quarter of Farm operating expenses. To achieve its mission the Farm seeks to charge those who can pay to subsidise those that cannot. Although seen by many as a great place to take the family to experience nature, animals and farming, the Farm exists to run various no cost programs to engage a cohort that experience adversity including children, young people and adults who may live with disability; experience mental illness; are survivors of family violence; are at risk of disengagement or are disengaged from the education system, or have experienced the youth justice system. Literally thousands of people’s lives are enriched by the Farm.

One portion of the Farm has been used as a Community Garden for the past 42 years. Before that, this land was farmed by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd (an order of the Catholic Church), and before that the land was cultivated for thousands of years by the Wurrundjeri Woi Wurrung people, who still have their head offices nearby.

The responsibilities of the Committee have developed over the life of the Farm, and the community has also dramatically changed with many more people living in apartments, without private gardens and significantly reduced access to open space. While the Community Garden has been constant over the past 42 years, the expectations for what it, and the Farm broadly, deliver has changed significantly. This is not to downplay the love the current gardeners have for the space, the soil they have cultivated, the plants they grow and the friendships they have formed. This is well understood, and the Farm has consistently said that the Community Garden will remain a space for Community Gardening, but the nature of community has changed, and the models for urban agriculture have also radically shifted.

Our understanding of accessibility has also grown over this time, and paths that are uneven and narrow and that exclude those with mobility constraints are no longer acceptable for a public institution. Similarly, the legal responsibility for the Committee to provide a safe space for visitors and staff alike is not negotiable. In the past, Community Gardeners have built retaining walls, or other structures with the best of intentions, but without proper skills and tools such that these walls are now collapsing, many structures are sharp and rusting, and it is the Farm that is left with the responsibility of addressing these concerns.

The Community Garden at the Farm is made up of 48 individual plots that Gardeners pay $105 annually for the privilege of gardening (less for concession) and the site has been considered so inaccessible for a number of years, that the Farm no longer brings groups of children or people with disabilities through, to be inspired by home style gardening. Put simply, Farm members have been subsidising the Community Garden, while being locked out themselves, for years.

The Farm has been working with a group of Garden representatives over the last three years to make the space more accessible, more equitable and more safe. As part of this process, the Committee recently called for an independent expert safety report to better understand what the issues were, and what response was required. Put simply, the report stated that significant works were needed to address the safety concerns, and anyone implying that this could be done over a Sunday working bee does not have a genuine appreciation of the safety issues and is trivialising them in a misleading manner. The Farm is a workplace and the Committee have a duty under Victoria’s workplace health and safety laws to provide a safe workplace for staff, the visiting public and the broader community.

The safety report was received on the same day Victoria was plunged into another lockdown. This meant a lot of change and frustration for everyone to deal with at once. The Farm itself was also experiencing the lockdown and closed to the public again, while trying to determine the best way, not only to break the news of the safety concerns and temporary closure of the Community Garden, but put in place some measures to soften the blow. Within a few days an online meeting was called with the Community Gardeners outlining the safety concerns triggering the temporary closure of the Community Garden and the commitment to reopening the Garden when it was safe and accessible, with the current gardeners being informed that they would be amongst the first welcomed back. The Farm has also arranged for pots and soil so that gardeners can dig up their plants and harvest their produce. This must be done in a considered manner. Reimbursements of annual plot fees are being processed and the Farm is keen to provide opportunities for Gardeners to return to other parts of the Farm to maintain connection and continue the practice of gardening. The Farm recognises that some of the plots help gardeners stay food secure; we’re offering these gardeners in particular the chance to volunteer at the Farm’s market garden in return for freshly grown produce.

There have been many misleading reports about the site being bulldozed for apartments and likening the Committee of Management to greedy landlords. Put simply, none of this is true: the community gardens sit is in a flood zone so no construction is allowed. We are a a not for profit organisation committed to keeping this site for community gardening and urban agriculture. Other false claims have been made about the Farm losing all its animals. The reality is that there are over 140 animals from over 11 species at the farm. This is an optimal number given the Farm’s small size and allows pasture to rejuvenate between grazing periods. Other misleading claims have been made about the temporary structures, wire trellises and old fences in the community gardens. The claim is that these are in some way heritage listed. This is not the case. The history and tradition of community gardening is of great cultural and social significance but the layout and structures have no formal heritage protection. All these misleading claims are extremely damaging and distract the Farm’s staff from their primary purpose of helping disadvantaged members of the community.

In spite of the recent vocal protest, we have also heard from the quiet voices. The people asking the Farm directly why a plot has been monopolised by a single family for 20 years when the waitlist has continued to grow; why some current gardeners were allowed to 'inherit' their plot from their relatives rather than the vacated plot being offered to the next in line on the waitlist; why

some gardeners who no longer live locally, have kept their plot; why professionals earning considerable salaries, with their own home gardens keep plots when others who rent and live in apartments don’t have access; and why the Farm is subsidising individuals who then retain effectively privatised plots for no public benefit. These questions raise the issue of equity, and how the governance of the space must focus on fair access and generating public good. The safety concerns have acted as a catalyst for this bigger piece, and now the space needs to be understood holistically so that the landscape architects can respond to a brief that satisfies the range of stakeholders.

Many Community Gardeners understand that the land is public land to be used for public good and treat the use of a garden plot as a privilege to be cherished. Others unfortunately are seeking to shut out the community and utilising the inaccessibility of the site and misleading comments on various media platforms to keep this land for themselves. The farm is not taking the land away from the Community Gardeners, but ensuring the Community Garden on this public land is used safely, fairly and productively for the benefit of the gardeners of the community, not just the lucky few.

For perspective and inspiration we might look to two local Community Gardens. Railway Garden in North Carlton is not only safe and accessible, but open for the public to visit at any time, to enjoy the eclectic display of seasonal crops, take a seat at the picnic table, and engage in conversation around food production. At Wilsmere Station Community Garden in Kew the paths are wide, there are wheelchair accessible garden beds, a communal herb patch, and the gates are intentionally unlocked. Over at FareShare in Abbotsford, volunteers come together to garden and socialise, and the fruit (or vegetable) of their labour is donated to people in need. Over at West Brunswick Community Garden a mixture of private and communal plots exists, where people come together to garden side by side. At CERES they are similarly addressing accessibility and safety in their community garden allotments.

A quick benchmarking exercise reveals that the Farm's Community Garden plots, at 20m2 is at least double the size of most community garden plots in Yarra and surrounding suburbs. At approximately $5/m2, the Farm annual fee is at least half the price of other similar and nearby gardens. At 2800m2 the total area of the Farm Community Garden takes up almost twice the area of most community gardens in Yarra but currently services less than half the number of gardeners. Let’s be clear: this is not a cash snatching exercise by the Farm, but a commitment to properly valuing the access to public land, currently used only by a select few. When the Farm has 150,000 people engaging with the site annually, giving only 40 or so individuals exclusive access to the Community Gardens is unbalanced and inequitable.

In addressing the safety concerns of the Community Garden we have unearthed a range of other access and equity concerns to which the Farm must now turn its attention. The project must be properly scoped, with input from a range of stakeholders, so that the rebuilt Community Gardens delivers the best outcome for the greatest breadth of the community. This will involve an appropriate consultation, design and construction process - not to mention fundraising.

There are no secret plans for the Community Garden. The focus is on public engagement with the broader community to better understand how this site will facilitate a connection for food growers from a range of backgrounds, a transfer of knowledge between gardeners, value the history and heritage of the area, and promote a connection with open spaces. This vision will come through over the coming months, and people who are interested in learning more about this process and contributing ideas for the new Community Garden can do so here.

The Farm is committed to re-opening the Community Gardens with appropriate consultation in a manner that is safe, open and accessible to many, not just a select few and calls for those people who are making or amplifying misleading statements to cease. The fight for the Community Gardens has been caricatured in recent media as a land grab. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Farm’s Committee of Management seeks to ensure that this public land is used not exclusively by a select few, but for the benefit of the broader community. And we seek your input and help.

Please write to us at committee@collingwoodfarm.org.au to offer your support and let us know if we can use your email as an anonymous testimonial on our website.

Please also feel free to copy into your email the following local and state politicians so they know we have broad community support:
adam.bandt.mp@aph.gov.au

Stephen.jolly@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Edward.Crossland@yarracity.vic.gov.au

richard.wynne@parliament.vic.gov.au

Amanda.Stone@yarracity.vic.gov.au

lily.dambrosio@parliament.vic.gov.au

Gabrielle.deVietri@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Claudia.Nguyen@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Sophie.Wade@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Bridgid.Obrien@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Herschel.Landes@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Thank you so much!
Collingwood Children’s Farm Committee of Management

Help us identify and get on top of Queensland Fruit Fly in Moreland

2021-06-01T12:37:00.006+10:00

Queensland Fruit fly has become established as a destructive new pest in Melbourne suburbs and is a serious threat to urban gardeners, hobby farmers and commercial fruit growers alike. The QFF lays her eggs in many common fruits, ‘fruiting vegetables’ and some native fruits. Inside the fruit the growing larvae cause the flesh to rot, making it unsaleable and undesirable to eat. Home gardeners should be on the lookout for fruit fly and can help prevent it spreading. Be aware of the signs fruit fly is in your garden and applying some simple methods to control it. Help is at hand in the form of these FREE on-line Queensland Fruit Fly events

QFF depositing eggs in a tomato. Photo: J. Newman, M. Schultz

1. QFF Management Workshop for Melbourne Home Gardeners Thursday 3 June 12:30 - 1:30pm Online - Register here

Entomologist Dan Papacek will help you confirm identification, delve into QFF lifecycle and behaviours and look at the management options most suited to home gardeners. Get your questions answered by an expert and make a plan to keep fruit fly under control in your home food garden.

2. QFF Workshop for Brunswick and Coburg Monday 7 June 7:00 - 8:30pm On-line - Register here

Bronwyn Koll from AgriBusiness Yarra Valley will provide fruit growers with technical information on QFF impacts, identification, and implications for the future. She will advise on best practices to monitoring and treatment so that we can all play our part in eradicating Queensland Fruit Fly in the region.

Moreland Council can also arrange for fruit tree owners / home and community gardens to receive a 'No Flies on Us' QFF information pack which contain a variety of brochures including:

QFF ID
QFF lifecycle
How to make your own trap
QFF prevention in the garden
Seasonal calendar of backyard jobs
QFF baiting

Contact Moreland's Food System Officer on 9240 2388 to arrange to be sent your information pack.

2020-12-01T09:16:00.003+11:00

2020-11-02T12:47:00.001+11:00

We need your feedback and ideas for the Moreland Food System Strategy!

2020-09-09T15:55:00.002+10:00

Calling all food growers, swappers, sharers, educators, recyclers and entrepreneurs - however you are involved in Moreland's food system we want to hear from you!

The Moreland Food System Strategy is turning three! The illustration below celebrates some highlights of what the local food community and Council have achieved together during 2017-2020.

We invite you to reflect on the reflect on the progress of the strategy through our Food System Survey. What have we achieved and learned? What could we do better?

We also want to know what you think we should be doing in the next 4 years of the strategy.

You can access the survey here:

Be quick - the survey is only open until Wednesday 11 November! The feedback we receive through the survey will be used to help build a new 2020-2024 implementation plan.

You will need to refer to the diagram above to complete the survey. The background information below provides additional context to help with answering the questions. You may also like to refer to the Food System Strategy

Background Information

Principles / Assumptions (see page 3 and 33 of the Food System Strategy)

Our vision of a sustainable, just and vibrant local food system in Moreland is critical to the health, wellbeing and resilience of the Moreland community
Implementation of the strategy will cover the full breadth of food system components, from growing, processing, distribution, access, consumption and disposal
Strong community partnerships and collaboration, together with human rights and equity principles, must underpin the implementation plan
System change of this scale and complexity needs a cross-Council response, as well as collaboration and advocacy with research institutions, peak bodies and other levels of governments
Urban food systems research and knowledge is rapidly evolving. Implementation of the strategy needs to remain responsive and relevant without compromising the long-term strategic intent and goals

Constraints

The goals of the food system strategy are intentionally ambitious and aspirational. Council and the community need to share data about the impacts and benefits of food system initiatives and build the evidence base to design future projects and attract funding
Council has committed to support a further 4 years to implement the strategy, including a 4 day per week Food System Officer and $35,000 annually to put towards networking, capacity building, projects and monitoring and evaluation. If further funding is required, this will need to be sought each year through the annual Council budget application process and / or external sources. We need to identify and prioritise strategic opportunities and be creative with resources and partnerships to ensure we maximise our investment and impact.

Zero Waste Cooking on a Budget On-line Event

2020-08-17T14:52:00.000+10:00

You are invited to a zero-waste cook-a-long from your kitchen! Learn three zero-waste recipes and other tips to get the most out of your fresh produce and money.

In this family friendly interactive workshop, you are invited to zoom in from your kitchen to learn zero waste recipes and easy tips to keep your produce fresh and lasting longer.

This event is part of a series hosted by Moreland City Council and Jesuit Social Services’s Ecological Justice Hub. Together, we are inviting community members to consider issues of waste, food, society and sustainability.

You'll receive the list of ingredients prior to the event so you can follow along from home. All recipes will be vegan, halal, nut and gluten free.

Date: Saturday 29 August

Time: 10am - 12pm

This is a FREE event but places are limited and you must register via Eventbrite to attend. You will be emailed the on-line event details

Community Climate Action Series July- November 2020

2020-07-07T13:28:00.000+10:00

Neighbours United for Climate Action (NUCA) and Newlands Parents for Climate Action are hosting a series of Community Climate Action events.

The first session is representatives from Farmers for Climate Action talking about the movement of farmers and rural Australians who are working to ensure farmers are a key part of the solutions to mitigate the effects of climate damage. The session is free, and will be held online via Zoom on Saturday 11th July at 2pm. The Zoom link is:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMucO2trDIrHNHJH78khawGbvt5AkHPAi-C

COVID-19 and Food Systems: impact, response and pathways to transformation

2020-06-15T11:51:00.000+10:00

Join us for an on-line panel discussion on Thursday 18 June 6 - 8pm about how COVID-19 has upended food supply chains, changing the way we eat and what we waste. Hosted by Jesuit Social Services’ Ecological Justice Hub in partnership with Moreland City Council. Our esteemed panelists include:

Maree Grenfell, Creative Resilience Lab
Dr Jen Rae - Fair Share Fare and Fawkner Commons
Kate Archdeacon - Executive Officer, Victorian Farmers Market Association
Dr Rachel Carey - Lecturer in Food Systems in the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne
Tammi Jonas, farmer Jonai Farms and President of the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance.

Cost $10 / $5 concession + booking fee. All proceeds go towards the Ecological Justice Hub’s food relief program.

Bookings can be made here

For more information see: www.facebook.com/events/260815731996256/

CERES Harvest Festival 2020

2020-02-17T10:59:00.000+11:00

Celebrating and giving thanks to the good earth, our farmers and the cycle of the seasons.

Come and celebrate at the CERES Harvest Festival on Saturday 28^th March 2020.

CERES Harvest Festival offers a range of entertainment with live music, cultural performances, free workshops, animal displays, giant veggie growing competition and kid’s activities. All this alongside food and craft stalls from our most loved local merchants.

Bring your whole family along to the Harvest Festival celebrations.

Entry is $5 (online) or $7 at the gate.* Kids are free.

*All proceeds go towards keeping CERES awesome

CERES Community Environment Park

Cnr Roberts and Stewart Streets, Brunswick East.

A little bit of country right here in the city.

For more information contact 9389 0100 or visit www.ceres.org.au

Help us create a new Community Food Hub for the north of Moreland!

2020-02-11T16:02:00.000+11:00

Fawkner Open Table Lunch - Photo courtesy of Cara Rixon

Moreland Council has commenced a project looking at the feasibility of establishing a community food hub in the north of Moreland. This is an action in the Food System Strategy 2017 – 2020, which responds to the issue of food security, particularly in our northern suburbs which have the least food secure communities in Moreland.

Last year we mapped over 33 community groups and organisations involved in food activities in north Moreland. We will draw from this strong base of community resources and skills, as well as from the amazing work taking place across Moreland and beyond to deliver community-led outcomes for this project.

We have engaged a team with excellent community engagement and food systems skills and knowledge to work with key stakeholders and the broader community to explore how a community food hub could support and increase the impact and viability of food security efforts in Moreland’s north.

The team consists of local resident Jen Rae from Fair Share Fare, who will lead the consultation process which will take place February – March 2020. Jen will work closely with Jen Sheridan from Open Food Network, who will lead the research, concept development and feasibility assessment with support from the Open Food Network team.

There are 5 x 2 hour day and evening codesign workshops taking place, facilitated by Jen Rae, Jen Sheridan and Kirsten Larsen (Open Food Network Australia). Anyone interested in learning about community food hubs is invited to attend this interactive workshop where you can contribute ideas with others to help shape a vision and inform a concept design for a local food hub in the north.

Thursday 27 February

Hope Centre Glenroy, 93-95 Station Road, Glenroy
1. 2-4pm
2. 6-8pm
Friday 28 February

Fawkner Bowling Club, 2 Creedon Street, Fawkner
3. 1-3pm (WOMEN ONLY)
4. 6-8pm
Saturday 29 February
Fawkner Bowling Club, 2 Creedon Street, Fawkner
5. 1-3pm

Registrations are essential, and you can register your attendance at any of these sessions through this link

Light refreshments will be served.

Highlights from the Moreland Local Food Forum and Networking event on 14 November

2019-12-04T15:31:00.000+11:00

About 25 people attended the Local Food Forum and Networking event on Thursday 14 November at the Coburg Courthouse. It was great to see many new faces as well as those who attended the last event in April, leading to new connections and updates on exciting ongoing initiatives.

The delicious vegan catering was supplied by Alex Dathe of Boom Foods, who sourced many of the seasonal ingredients (such as beetroot, garlic, celery, lettuce and silverbeet) from Fawkner Food Bowls market garden. It doesn't get any more local than that!

All attendees had the opportunity to introduce themselves and share inspiring examples of their activities, project or interest in local food. Two community groups expanded on their history, purpose and programs (links to presentations provided below):

1. Mahira Sobral shared the story of the Ecological Justice Hub, a practical environmental program delivered by Jesuit Social Services, based around a permaculture garden in Brunswick. The Hub is dedicated to both social and environmental justice, with the overall aim of restoring peoples' connections to nature as well as each other. Programs cover everything from how to reduce food waste and close the loop by turning food waste into a resource (even acquiring a bioreactor which produces biogas and electricity from organic waste!) to education on the power of mushrooms to restore and generate healthy ecosystems.

Mahira Sobral Ecological Justice Hub Presentation

To find out more about the education, courses and volunteering opportunities at the Hub, email ecojusticehub@jss.org.au

2. Taryn D'Costa, Nerida Thompson and Hilary Hogget related how the Neighbours United for Climate Action (NUCA) was formed by a group of Moreland residents who saw the benefit in acting collectively to help people feel more empowered to respond to the climate emergency. Neighbours have formed teams to progress a whole host of initiatives, including a Community Climate Action education series relating to local food growing, food waste reduction, PURE (Plastic Use Reduction & Elimination), Art Against Ecocide, community and regenerative living.

Taryn, Nerida and Hilary NUCA Presentation

To get involved with NUCA:

Sign up for the NUCA newsletter or join/create a team – https://nuca.wufoo.com/forms/nuca-sign-up-form/
Participate in Community Climate Actions events at Newlands Neighbourhood House – The next series will commence in February 2020 – look out for more details in the new year here: www.facebook.com/communityclimateaction

There was also an update on Moreland Council's new Food Organics Recycling Service and the MWRRG's relaunched 'Back to Earth' program, which educates residents on how to use the service correctly and shows how organic waste is being turned into a valuable resource. The program includes compost donations to eligible organisations and the Victorian Garden Competition which opens in February 2020

Lee from Moreland Council Presentation

You are invited to the Moreland Local Food Forum and Networking Event!

2019-10-23T15:44:00.001+11:00

Connect, share and celebrate the achievements of the Moreland Local Food Community!

Moreland Council invites you to participate in an evening of conversations about local food projects.

This event will include facilitated networking, providing opportunities to connect with others who are passionate about creating a sustainable, just and vibrant food system.

When: Thursday 14 November 2019, 6 - 8pm

Where: Coburg Courthouse, 2 Main Street Coburg

FREE event but registrations essential (for catering purposes) Book through this link.

Light refreshments provided, including delicious Vegetarian dishes by Boom Foods who will source some ingredients from right here in Moreland!

For those who grow their own food, we are inviting you to bring a simple dish made from homegrown ingredients, to share alongside the main catering. Label with the name and the ingredients you've grown. This will be a great talking point for participants, the idea being to swap gardening and ingredient tips and recipes!

Children are welcome, accompanied by a carer.

For more information including Auslan interpreting, hearing or other access and dietary requirements, please contact Lee Tozzi on 9240 2388 or email ltozzi@moreland.vic.gov.au by Thursday 31 October

Gowanbrae Community Garden launch celebration

2019-10-15T18:06:00.003+11:00

A good crowd of local residents turned out on a cool and blustery day in September to launch the new Gowanbrae Community Garden!

Located on Gowanbrae Drive, down the hill from the Gowanbrae Community and Childrens' Centre, the garden is a place where the community can grow productive and ornamental plants as well as meet, share, connect and learn about food and gardening together.

The launch celebrated the completion of the basic garden infrastructure (landscaping, pathways, table and chairs, garden beds). Local residents, Council staff and Councillors pitched in to plant a huge array of culinary plants, vegetable seedlings and food trees during the morning. Mayor Cr Natalie Abboud made the official speech culminating in the ceremonial planting of a lemon myrtle tree.

The design includes additional features and plants which will be implemented as funding and the capacity of the community garden group allows.

We’re calling for anyone interested in being involved in the garden to get in contact with Andre at andre.braakhuis(at)exemail.com.au

Tamil Feasts Market Stall Launch

2019-08-28T15:03:00.001+10:00

We have expanded our Tamil Feasts family!

Tamil Feasts is a social enterprise that provides employment for recently settled asylum seekers. 9 new participants who are all seeking asylum have started a hospitality training program with us at CERES.

For 8 weeks this Spring, our Tamil Feasts trainees will be holding a food stall at the CERES Saturday Market. And they would love to share their food with you.

We will be serving up a variety of yummy street food to send your taste buds on a journey. Think dosa’s, freshly made chai and sweet treats.

So come finish off your week, support our new trainees and enjoy a plate of life changing goodness.

Our first market opens

Market Stall Launch

Saturday 7th September 2019

9am – 2pm

Tamil Feasts Market Stall will run from 7th September until 26th October 2019.

For more information please contact CERES on 9389 0100.

Tamil Feasts - More than just a meal

tamilfeasts.ceres.org.au

Highlights from the Moreland Local Food Networking and Autumn Celebration on 4 April.

2019-05-23T17:25:00.002+10:00

About 40 residents got together to network and hear local food groups tell interesting and inspiring stories about their local food projects at the Merlynston Progress Hall, Coburg on April 4, 2019.

Here are the highlights as well as copies of the presentations and contact details to find out more about each initiative:

Claudia and Angela from Open Table talked about the nutritious meals they make from surplus food to hold monthly or fortnightly community lunches in Brunswick, Fawkner, Coburg and Glenroy.

If you would like to volunteer to help at any of the community lunches in your area, please email hello@open-table.org or register at www.open-table.org/volunteers

Rani, Emma, Jane and Bec from the Upfield Urban Forest described how they have transformed three different sites in the Upfield bike track from barren wastelands to cool, shady, beautiful spaces that improve the commuter experience immeasurably and at the same time reduce the urban heat island effect, store water and carbon and increase food security for local residents.

If you would like more information and to get involved in this fantastic initiative, click on this link

Jen from Fair Share Fare introduced the exciting and innovative new Community Graft project which is all about preserving our food heritage and supporting food security by preventing the loss of existing food and fruit trees and establishing new urban orchards. In the process, the project will foster the intergenerational and intercultural transfer of food growing knowledge and skills. Free grafting workshops have already been held in March and April this year to create a community of ready ‘grafters’.

To find out more and to get involved, contact jenrae@fairsharefare.com

Links to the presentations from the event are provided below:

Local Food Network Presentation 4 April 2019

The Community Graft Presentation 4 April 2019

Free Composting Workshop!

2019-05-01T10:12:00.000+10:00

Brunswick Neighbourhood House Community Garden has upgraded its composting facilities!

To celebrate, Brunswick Neighbourhood House is delivering a FREE composting workshop on Saturday 11th May, as part of our celebrations for Neighbourhood House Week.

This workshop will be delivered by composting enthusiast Anna Sonogan.

In this super exciting workshop you will learn:

How composting works, including the difference between hot and cold compost
How to balance your compost with the correct ratios of carbon and nitrogen
All about the improvements made to the BNH Community Garden composting system
Handy tips for composting at home

Where: Brunswick Neighbourhood House Community Garden, Rear of 43A De Carle St Brunswick

When: Saturday 11th May, 9:30am-11am

Cost: Free, but please book.

Contact Brunswick Neighbourhood House on 9386 9418 or email info@bnhc.vic.edu.au

www.bnhc.vic.edu.au

Many thanks to 3000 Acres for providing funds to upgrade the BNH Community Garden Composting Facilities!

Melbourne Food Hub Workshops

2019-03-19T18:00:00.000+11:00

The Melbourne Food Hub in Alphington invites you to two workshops celebrating making and preserving food

Tomato Passata Workshop:
Join @Melbourne Food Hub on Sunday 24th March for a 4 hour Tomato Passata Making Workshop. The seasons are changing and it’s time to preserve a splash of summer in a bottle for those cold winter months.

Tomato Day has long been a celebration of seasonal eating and bringing our community together. Melbourne Food Hub would like to honour this tradition with you all. Come and learn all there is to know about preserving tomatoes and leave with a skill for life.

In this 4 hour workshop, you will learn how to make a traditional tomato passata - each participant will receive 10kg worth of tomatoes to transform - enjoy a delicious seasonal lunch with local wine and take home your preserved bottles to enjoy over winter. The workshop is the first step in setting up the fully functioning community kitchen. This class is full of all the good things in life: eating, drinking and preserving! The workshop will be facilitated by the vibrant Betty Vassilou who has a presence in the community, teaching for many years at Westgarth primary as well as a being a regular stall holder at weekend Melbourne Farmers Markets.

The workshop will begin during @Alphington Farmers Markets so come early to pick up your local and sustainable groceries direct from our wonderful #Victorian #producers.

Link to Facebook event: https://bit.ly/2UxeTuR
Link to Trybooking event: https://bit.ly/2NYYhJK

Wicking Bed Workshop:
Gardening in a small space? Want to use limited water resources more efficiently? Back by popular demand, join @Melbourne Food Hub and @Very Edible Gardens for a 2 hour workshop learning all there is to know about wicking beds. See productive wicking beds in use on site and learn how to build your own. There will also be a working bee commencing directly afterwards for anyone who would like to stay on.

The workshop is running on Sunday 31st March during the weekly @Alphington Farmers Market so come early or stay late and grab your groceries direct from our #Victorian #producers.

Link to Facebook event: https://bit.ly/2CeBXXW
Link to Trybooking event: https://bit.ly/2Cq9PBB

You are invited to the Moreland Local Food Networking and Autumn Celebration!

2019-03-14T14:48:00.001+11:00

Moreland Council invites you to celebrate the achievements of our amazing local food community and the wonderful colours and flavours of Autumn!

When: Thursday 4 April, 6:30 - 8pm
Where: Merlynston Progress hall, 1 Novian Street, Coburg North
Cost: FREE

NOTE: This event follows on from the Moreland Grows exhibition by 3000acres (5:30 - 6:30pm in the same venue), which will bring to life in photos and videos the fantastic diversity of food gardening taking place all around Moreland.

Join us for presentations and discussions about local food projects. We will also officially launch the Moreland Community Food Growing Assessment Guidelines, which provides handy tips and resources and helps make the process for starting a new community garden clearer.

Delicious seasonal food will be provided and there will be time to network with others passionate about creating a sustainable, just and vibrant food system.

Children are welcome, accompanied by a carer.

This is a FREE event, but bookings are essential through this link.

CERES Harvest Festival 2019

2019-03-04T22:01:00.001+11:00

Celebrating and giving thanks to the good earth, our farmers and the cycle of the seasons.

Come and celebrate at the CERES Harvest Festival on Saturday 23^rd March 2019.

CERES Harvest Festival offers a range of entertainment with live music, cultural performances, free workshops, animal displays, giant veggie growing competition and kids activities. All this alongside food and craft stalls from our most loved local merchants.

Bring your whole family along to the Harvest Festival celebrations. Sat 23rd March from 10am-3pm, Cnr Roberts and Stewart Streets, Brunswick East.

A little bit of country right here in the city. Entry is $5* Kids are free.

For more information contact 9389 0100 or visit www.ceres.org.au

*All proceeds go towards keeping CERES awesome

3000acres and Open Gardens Victoria invite you to food gardening tours and workshops this summer!

2019-01-10T17:47:00.001+11:00

3000acres and Open Gardens Victoria are holding a range of exciting food gardening tours and workshops in Moreland and Darebin this summer! Get inspired to grow your own food and meet like minded food gardening enthusiasts at tours and workshops which cover everything from permaculture, keeping quails, bee hotels, productive rental gardens, fruit tree care and maintenance, gardening with kids, seed saving and preserving your summer produce.

Bookings essential – hurry these will sell out fast!

Moreland events:

9 Feb – Guided tours at Greg’s productive and organic backyard in Fawkner: https://opengardensvictoria.org.au/Gregs-Garden
9 Feb – Guided tours at Alanjohn’s rented converted patch (lawn to food!) in Coburg: https://opengardensvictoria.org.au/Coburg-Secret-Garden
2 and 3 Mar – Guided tours at designer Karen Sutherland's Gunyah garden, Pascoe Vale South: https://opengardensvictoria.org.au/Gunyah-2

Darebin events:

19 Jan – Guided tours at Kat Lavers ‘The Plummery’ in Northcote: https://opengardensvictoria.org.au/The-Plummery
2 Feb – Guided tours at Morgan’s Rented Productive Paradise in Northcote: https://opengardensvictoria.org.au/Northcote-Productive-Paradise
3 Feb – Fruit Tree Workshops with Justin Calverley at Reservoir Food Forest and Orchard: https://opengardensvictoria.org.au/Reservoir-Food-Forest-and-Orchardand https://opengardensvictoria.org.au/Summer-fruit-tree-training-and-maintenance
9 Feb – Gardening with kids themed guided tour in Reservoir: https://opengardensvictoria.org.au/Poppys-Patch
16 Feb – Native bee hotel and composting workshops with Katrina Forstner of ‘Buzz&Dig’: https://opengardensvictoria.org.au/Buzz-and-Dig-Attracting-Native-Beesand https://opengardensvictoria.org.au/Composting-at-Home
24 Feb – Seed saving and Preserving the Harvest workshops at Kat Lavers ‘The Plummery’: https://opengardensvictoria.org.au/Seed-Saving-workshop-at-The-Plummeryand https://opengardensvictoria.org.au/Preserving-your-Harvest-workshop-at-The-Plummery

Growing Food micro-Enterprise - with Devita Davison, Food Lab Detroit

2019-01-10T17:25:00.003+11:00

Are you a current or aspiring food entrepreneur or micro enterprise? Or a small food business interested in being part of a sustainable local food economy which enhances the health and wellbeing of communities?

You are invited to an interactive workshop, cohosted by Moreland City Council and Sustain: The Australian Food Network, featuring Devita Davison,, Executive Director of FoodLab Detroit, telling the inspiring story of the good food movement in Detroit, and the push to build a vibrant food economy in the wake of the decline of the automobile and other manufacturing industries.

She will share the case studies of diverse groups of local entrepreneurs, the skills and confidence they've developed through the Foodlab Detroit program, and how they have gone on to establish food businesses and grow a more equitable food supply which honours identity and culture.

FoodLab is a membership-based non-profit organisation with a vision to cultivate, connect and catalyze, to use food as an economic engine, to form a supportive community of entrepreneurs and to make good food a reality for all Detroiters.

Event Details:

Thursday 7 February, 6 – 8pm
Glenroy Public Hall
5a Cromwell Street, Glenroy
Free event but registrations essential - book here

Light refreshments will be served

About Foodlab Detroit

FoodLab is a membership-based non-profit organisation with a vision to cultivate, connect and catalyze, to use food as an economic engine, to form a supportive community of entrepreneurs and to make good food a reality for all Detroiters.

Devita's TED interview outlines her approach and experience supporting local food business incubation and entrepreneurs

RetroSuburbia : Action, resilience & future visions

2018-09-19T16:24:00.002+10:00

Come and join us for an engaging conversation with permaculture co-originator, David Holmgren.

At this event, Holmgren will advance permaculture ideas as a creative framework for applying vital retrofits to our homes, gardens and, most fundamentally, our behaviours. In particular, he will highlight the importance of household food growing and shared neighbourhood activity in our everyday lives.

Holmgren will participate in an open panel discussion with special quest Kat Laver, local permaculturist. There will also be a Q & A session with the audience.

Sunday 21 October 2018
10:30am - 12:30pm

Cost: $20 Full/$15 CERES Member or concession

Bookings essential. Grab yourself a ticket here:

Location:
CERES Community Environment Park
Van Raay Meeting Room 1
Cnr Roberts and Stewart Street, East Brunswick, VIC 3057

This event is proudly supported by CERES and Moreland City Council.