Northey Street City Farm

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Vacancy – Nursery Co-ordinator

Do you have experience in a retail nursery and a passion for customer service, preferably with a practical working knowledge of Permaculture plants and their uses as well as managing people (staff and volunteers)?

Northey Street City Farm             
….. a place for learning about living sustainably in the city

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position:   Nursery Coordinator

Hours:                                24.5 hours per week (required to work weekends – penalty rates paid )

Pay rate:                            NSCF Award Agreement Level 3, $26.49 /hr, plus entitlements (e.g. leave, super) as defined in the NSCF Enterprise Agreement

Contract Position:       Permanent part-time

Responsible to:              Enterprise Manager

Person

The Nursery Coordinator will be responsible for operating the City Farm Nursery making it a profitable enterprise that provides a service to the community through providing useful plants and other permaculture resources. The Nursery Coordinator should have experience in a retail nursery and a passion for customer service, preferably with a practical working knowledge of Permaculture plants and their uses. This role will be responsible for supervising and developing volunteers to assist with the nursery retail and production. The person will ideally be reliable, passionate about plants and customers, an enthusiastic self-starter who is willing to work with our community to meet the financial, social and environmental objectives of the nursery. They will have initiative and be open to sharing their practical skills and experiences with a broad range of people.

Responsibilities

  • Manage the ordering, sales and stocktaking of all retail lines ensuring that stock is always available for sales.
  • Maintain a Point of Sale & inventory management system for the retail operations.
  • Maintain a welcoming retail space with appropriate visual merchandising and to OHS standards.
  • Implement and contribute to the development of a marketing plan for the nursery.
  • Build a loyal customer base, providing outstanding customer service.
  • Supervise and develop nursery volunteers, staff and students to meet the operational needs of the nursery.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain a knowledge base of processes and procedures for the retail Nursery.
  • Liaise with the Farm & Site Manager to produce plants for retail.
  • Provide the Enterprise Manager with financial and operational reports.
  • Monitor the Nursery budget ensuring the financial goals remain on track.
  • Maintain any agreed certifications as directed by the Enterprise Manager.
  • Ensure Nursery resources and equipment are maintained and in good working order.
  • Actively participate in relevant meetings.
  • Work co-operatively with the Enterprise Manager, other enterprises and teams at the Farm.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Selection Criteria)

Essential

  • Qualifications and training in horticulture.
  • Demonstrated experience in retail nursery operations.
  • A working knowledge of plants and other elements used in permaculture design including their requirements and uses.
  • Experience in customer service, cash handling, stock control and other administrative tasks required in a retail setting.
  • Experience in the use of Point of Sale & inventory management systems
  • Excellent communication and writing skills
  • Demonstrated experience in implementing marketing strategies and plans
  • Problem solving skills as they relate to retail nursery operations
  • Supervisory and leadership skills

Desirable

  • Permaculture Design Certificate
  • Experience in working in community-based organisations.

 Physical Demands

This position may be physically demanding at times and requires a person who is fit, energetic, and flexible.

Working Environment

Northey Street City Farm is a non-profit community project on the banks of Brisbane’s Breakfast Creek in the inner city suburb of Windsor. It has been developed for people to enjoy and participate in using the principles of Permaculture. It is also intended to be a demonstration site where people of all ages can learn through practical, hands on experience.

NSCF Vision: All living sustainably

NSCF Purpose: Our purpose is to be an inspirational working model of a community-based urban permaculture farm which promotes and educates for sustainability.

Applications:

  • Applications must address each of the selection criteria (maximum 100 words each)
  • Please also include a CV with at least two referees
  • Applications are due 4pm Tuesday 22 February 2022.
  • Proposed start date is early March 2022.
  • For further information, please contact the Desi Achilleos on enterprise.mgr@nscf.org.au
  • Please submit application electronically to: info@nscf.org.au

 Hard copies may be sent to: Northey Street City Farm, 16 Victoria St, Windsor, 4030

www.nscf.org.au           Phone: 07-38578775      Email: info@nscf.org.au

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Bunya Nut Recipes

          

Bunya Pine

Araucaria bidwillii

Recipes from Share: a permaculture cookbook

Bunya pine is a large tree native to the Bunya Mountains and surrounding areas in southeast Queensland.  It produces soccer ball size cones in late summer, each cone containing 30 – 60 nuts.

‘For generations, First Nations peoples gathered every three years for a great bunya feast.  While bunyas fruit annually, every three to four years there would be a bumper crop, and this was the time for differences to be set aside and clans to gather, feast, trade, marry, perform initiations, and other ceremonial duties’. (State Library of Qld)

The nuts are high in starch and other complex carbohydrates.  They can be boiled, roasted, or dried and made into flour.  They can be used for purees, pestos, stuffing, and sauces.

Health benefits
  • Anti bacterial properties
  • May inhibit foodborne illness

One nut contains:

  • Water 40%
  • Complex Carbs 40%
  • Protein 9%
  • Fat 2%
  • Gluten free
Roo ‘n’ Bunya curry

Ingredients

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 medium onion
  • macadamia oil
  • 800g kangaroo meat, cubed
  • 2 tbsp tandoori curry paste
  • 1 twig lemon myrtle leaves
  • 400 g coconut cream
  • 30 – 50 Bunya nuts (preboiled and shelled)
  • large handful of green beans
  • wedge of pumpkin
  • red capsicum julienned
  • bunch of sweet potato tip (or blanched Warrigal Greens)
  • fresh basil, chopped to garnish

Method

    1. Simmer chopped onion and garlic in a little oil until lightly browned.
    2. Add roo meat.
    3. Once the meat is browned, add curry paste, lemon myrtle, and a little coconut cream.
    4. Simmer for 10 minutes.
    5. Add bunyas, green beans, and pumpkin, and add a little more coconut cream.
    6. Continue to simmer for 10 – 15 minutes.
    7. Add red capsicum and greens as well as the remaining coconut cream.
    8. Simmer for a further 5 – 10 minutes.
    9. Serve when the pumpkin is soft.
    10. Garnish with basil.
Bunya Nut Pesto

Ingredients

  • 5 – 6 bunches of fresh herbs: basil, parsley, oregano, sage, fennel, tarragon
  • 1 cup bunya nuts, cooked and shelled
  • 1.5 – 2 cups macadamia or olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic (optional)
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp ground lemon myrtle
  • salt to taste
  • native mountain pepper

Method

    1. Blend herbs, bunya nuts, and garlic.
    2. Pour in oil until the consistency is smooth
    3. Add grated parmesan, lemon myrtle, salt, and pepper to taste.

     

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Vacancy – Nursery Co-ordinator

Do you have experience in a retail nursery and a passion for customer service, preferably with a practical working knowledge of Permaculture plants and their uses?

Northey Street City Farm             
….. a place for learning about living sustainably in the city

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position:   Nursery Co-ordinator
Hours:                                24.5 hours per week
(The Nursery Coordinator will be required to work weekends – penalty rates paid)
Pay rate:                            NSCF Award Agreement Level 3, $26.49/hr, plus entitlements (e.g. leave, super) as defined in the NSCF Enterprise Agreement)
Contract Position:       Permanent part time
Responsible to:              Enterprise Manager

Person

The Nursery Coordinator will be responsible for operating the City Farm Nursery making it a profitable enterprise that provides a service to the community through providing useful plants and other permaculture resources. The Nursery Coordinator should have experience in a retail nursery and a passion for customer service, preferably with a practical working knowledge of Permaculture plants and their uses. This role will be responsible for supervising and developing volunteers to assist with the nursery retail and production. The person will ideally be reliable, passionate about plants and customers, an enthusiastic self-starter who is willing to work with our community to meet the financial, social and environmental objectives of the nursery. They will have initiative and be open to sharing their practical skills and experiences with a broad range of people.

Responsibilities

  • Manage the ordering, sales and stocktaking of all retail lines ensuring that stock is always available for sales.
  • Maintain a Point of Sale & inventory management system for the retail operations.
  • Maintain a welcoming retail space with appropriate visual merchandising and to OHS standards.
  • Implement and contribute to the development of a marketing plan for the Nursery.
  • Build a loyal customer base, providing outstanding customer service.
  • Supervise and develop Nursery volunteers, staff, and students to meet the operational needs of the Nursery.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain a knowledge base of processes and procedures for the retail Nursery.
  • Liaise with the Farm & Site Manager to produce plants for retail.
  • Provide the Enterprise Manager with financial and operational reports.
  • Monitor the Nursery budget ensuring the financial goals remain on track.
  • Maintain any agreed certifications as directed by the Enterprise Manager.
  • Ensure Nursery resources and equipment are maintained and in good working order.
  • Actively participate in relevant meetings.
  • Work co-operatively with the Enterprise Manager, other enterprises, and teams at the Farm.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Selection Criteria)

 Essential

  • Qualifications and training in horticulture.
  • Demonstrated experience in retail nursery operations.
  • A working knowledge of plants and other elements used in permaculture design including their requirements and uses.
  • Experience in customer service, cash handling, stock control and other administrative tasks required in a retail setting.
  • Experience in the use of Point of Sale & inventory management systems
  • Excellent communication and writing skills
  • Demonstrated experience in implementing marketing strategies and plans
  • Problem solving skills as they relate to retail nursery operations
  • Supervisory and leadership skills

Desirable

  • Permaculture Design Certificate
  • Experience in working in community – based organisations.

 Physical Demands

This position may be physically demanding at times and requires a person who is fit, energetic, and flexible.

Working Environment

Northey Street City Farm is a non-profit community project on the banks of Brisbane’s Breakfast Creek in the inner city suburb of Windsor. It has been developed for people to enjoy and participate in using the principles of Permaculture. It is also intended to be a demonstration site where people of all ages can learn through practical, hands on experience.

NSCF Vision: All living sustainably

NSCF Purpose: Our purpose is to be an inspirational working model of a community-based urban permaculture farm which promotes and educates for sustainability.

Applications:

  • Applications must address each of the selection criteria (maximum 100 words each)
  • Please also include a CV with at least two referees
  • Applications are due 4pm Tuesday 25 January 2022.
  • Proposed start date is early February 2022.
  • For further information, please contact the Desi Achilleos on enterprise.mgr@nscf.org.au
  • Please submit application electronically to: info@nscf.org.au

 Hard copies may be sent to: Northey Street City Farm, 16 Victoria St, Windsor, 4030

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December 2021 / January 2022 E-News

SUMMER SOLSTICE, First Nations, Sustainable Living Workshops, Youth Education and arts, Position vacant, and more. Read the full newsletter HERE.

Northey Street City Farm publishes a free electronic newsletter every month.
To subscribe to our monthly free e-newsletter CLICK HERE.

You will receive the newsletter to your email once a month to let you know what is happening at the farm.

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October E-News

AGM, Summer Solstice, Sustainable Living Workshops, Youth Education and Earth Arts, and much more. Read the full newsletter HERE.

Northey Street City Farm publishes a free electronic newsletter every month.
To subscribe to our monthly free e-newsletter CLICK HERE.

You will receive the newsletter to your email once a month to let you know what is happening at the farm.

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Spring Equinox

We will be hosting the Spring Equinox in conjunction with Vulcana Women’s Circus Friday the 8 October. Please join us to celebrate a rebirth into practices that will contribute towards addressing climate change, organic farming, sustainable practices and a renewed reverence for women.

You can find out about the event on Facebook here.

Or buy tickets directly here.

We look forward to celebrating the Autumn Equinox with you.

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Vacancies – Casual Events Workers

 

Do you have experience and enthusiasm working on events?

Northey Street City Farm             
….. a place for learning about living sustainably in the city

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position:   Events Workers
Employment:     Casual, as per NSCF Staff Agreement, Level 1
Salary:                   Casual Rate of $26.38 per hour

Responsibilities

·    Work as part of the Northey Street City Farm Events Team as directed by the Enterprise and Events Manager or Site Coordinator.
·    Responsible to the NSCF Management Committee through the Enterprise and Events Manager.

Organisation

Established in 1994, Northey Street City Farm (NSCF) is a non-profit community organisation for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn the principles of Permaculture through hands-on experience. Join an enthusiastic, passionate group of people to work on one of Australia’s largest city farms; a Permaculture site on 2 ha, established kitchen and market gardens as well as orchards and wood lot, plus Brisbane’s only certified Organic Farmers Market and retail Nursery.  NSCF is also a community hub that facilitates the development of social connections and new skills for volunteers and participants in a variety of programs.

Events Team Tasks include

·    Box Office
·    Stage Management
·    Assisting in site tasks like signage, electricity, lighting, stall holder communication, set up of marquees, tables, chairs, waste management, cleaning and bump out
·    Dishwashing for waste free events
·    Raffle ticket selling
·    Food and beverage service
·    Creative Arts installations
·    Sound and Lighting
·    Kids activities
·    Events administration and coordination

Selection Criteria

Essential

· Experience or enthusiasm in working on a particular aspect of Events as listed above, for example: creative arts, customer service, social media.
· Experience working in teams
· Excellent communication skills
· Knowledge of Permaculture

Desirable

·    Experience working in community / volunteer organisations
·    Knowledge of NSCF events and purpose
·    Hold a RSAS
·    Hold a Blue Card (working with children)

Applications

·    Applications must address each of the selection criteria. (200 words max).
·    Please also include a recent CV with at least two referees.
·    For more information on the position, contact Enterprise & Events Manager on enterprise.mgr@nscf.org.au
·    Applications are due by 4pm on 30 September 2021
·    Please submit application electronically to: info@nscf.org.au

Hard copies may be sent to: Northey Street City Farm, 16 Victoria St, Windsor, 4030

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September E-News

Spring Equinox, First Nations workshop, Education, volunteering and more. Read the full newsletter HERE.

Northey Street City Farm publishes a free electronic newsletter every month.
To subscribe to our monthly free e-newsletter CLICK HERE.

You will receive the newsletter to your email once a month to let you know what is happening at the farm.

by

Vacancy – Farming and Site Team Manager

Do you have a proven strong background in practical Permaculture and organic fruit and vegetable farming in the sub tropics? Have you previously managed a team of people and day to day farm operations?

Northey Street City Farm             
….. a place for learning about living sustainably in the city

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position:   Farming & Site Team Manager

Hours:                                24 hours per week

Pay rate:                            NSCF Award Agreement Level 4, $29.56/hr, plus entitlements (Superannuation, Leave Loading and allowances)

Contract Position:       Permanent part time

Responsible to:              Management Committee

Person

The Farming & Site Team Manager should have a proven strong background in practical Permaculture and organic fruit and vegetable farming in the sub tropics, preferably having previously managed a team of people to develop a market garden or orchards. They should have demonstrable experience in both managing day-to-day farm operations as well as driving medium-term strategic and commercial directions.

Organisation

Established in 1994, Northey Street City Farm (NSCF) is a non-profit community organisation for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn the principles of Permaculture through hands-on experience. Join an enthusiastic, passionate group of people to work on one of Australia’s largest city farms; a Permaculture site on 2 ha, established kitchen and market gardens as well as orchards and wood lot, plus Brisbane’s only certified Organic Farmers Market and retail Nursery.  NSCF is also a community hub that facilitates the development of social connections and new skills for volunteers and participants in a variety of programs.

Role

The Farming and Site Manager’s role is to oversee and coordinate the Farming and Site team, which is responsible for the management of all gardens, orchards, bush revegetation, other open areas and animal systems, and also for the maintenance of all buildings and infrastructure on the farm site. The Farming and Site team includes two other staff, the Farming Coordinator and the Site Coordinator, as well as a number of volunteers and work experience participants.

The position is for 24 hrs/week, which must include Thursdays.  Occasional weekend work is required (penalty rates paid). Timing of working hours can be flexible according to season and farm requirements.  This position may be physically demanding at times and requires a person who is fit, energetic, and flexible.

Responsibilities

    • Ensure that the Farm site is managed according to Permaculture and organic principles.
    • Manage Farming Team staff.
    • Coordinate the recruitment and training of volunteers and work experience participants for the Farming Team.
    • Contribute to the planning and management of building and infrastructure construction projects as required
    • Coordinate the development and management of farming enterprises, including the Market Garden and the allotments
    • Organise and facilitate Farming Team meetings.
    • Participate in monthly Whole Farm meetings.
    • Report monthly, and be answerable, to the Management Committee, and attend every third Management Committee meeting.
    • Prepare and manage budgets and be accountable for any team related cash handling systems.
    • Contribute to the development, enactment, and review of key policy documents to guide activities on the Farm.

Selection Criteria

Essential

    • Extensive experience in organic gardening and/or farming, preferably in a diverse, integrated, permaculture context in the sub-tropics.
    • Management experience and skills, including planning, budgeting, financial management, team building, staff coordination, volunteer supervision, meeting facilitation and conflict resolution.
    • Hold a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) or be willing to acquire one.
    • Willingness to have a criminal background check and obtain a blue card.
    • Hold a current first aid certificate or be willing to acquire one.
    • Current drivers’ licence.

Desirable

    • Experience working in community or volunteer organisations.
    • Building construction and maintenance experience.
    • Project management skills.

Applications

    • Applications must address each of the selection criteria. (maximum 100 words each).
    • Please also include a CV with at least two referees.
    • Applications are due by 5pm on Tuesday 26 October 2021
    • Proposed start date is early November 2021
    • Please submit application electronically to: info@nscf.org.au
  • Hard copies may be sent to: Northey Street City Farm, 16 Victoria St, Windsor, 4030

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Site Team Volunteer

  

Who are we looking for?

Are you passionate about tinkering with old equipment? Fancy fixing an old chair or benches? How about small-scale construction using recycled timber? Do you have an affinity for reinvigorating old tools and giving them a second life? Then we have the perfect volunteer position for you!

Northey Street City Farm is currently calling out for keen volunteers who want to assist the Site Team to maintain our facility.

​ When?

Wednesday 8:30 am -12:30 pm (flexible). We also welcome people to come on Tuesdays.

What’s involved​?

Assist the Site Team in the various maintenance activities including:

  • Fix tools and equipment (mostly manual hand tools – rakes, spades, etc.)
  • Maintain tools
  • Painting and varnishing
  • Carry out small-scale construction and repairs on existing buildings.

What’s required?

Have good OH&S awareness.
Where possible, we ask for a minimum of 4-6 months of weekly volunteering to learn procedures and get to know the lay of the site and the community.
Wear enclosed shoes and gloves.  NSCF can provide gloves if you require them.
We will arrange for you to attend an induction process so that you can be covered under the farm’s insurance.
This is a great way to get hands-on experience, and also to be part of the of urban agriculture movement!

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