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

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!

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

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