Events Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Northey Street City Farm

May 2, 2018 by Ronni Martin

May – Thank a Farmer Month

It’s Thank a Farmer Month during May, so we’re going to introduce you to some of our local farmers who sell at our Sunday Organic Market. This month, say thanks to the farmers who produce the food that keeps us alive!

Meet Anika Wulff from Spring Lakes Farm in Churchable, which is west of Brisbane, between Gatton and the Wivenhoe Dam.

What is your favorite thing to eat right now?

Sweet potato cooked in ghee with kimchi cucumber pickle.

When and how did you make the decision to become a farmer?

Back in 2012 when my Mum passed away. We were unhappy with our seemingly perfect life in Perth and we knew we only had once chance at life – so it’s best to make the most of it. We both wanted wide open spaces, to be our own boss, and had an intrinsic aversion to chemicals – so organic farming it was!

What’s the most surprising thing about farming?

It’s way harder than we thought. There are many things to figure out / juggle and it seems to change each season. We have had to learn about growing, business, mother nature, the market, all at once – and make enough money to make it through to the next season, each and every season. It’s been a steep, very steep, learning curve.

Why is organic food important?

Because it is the purest form of nourishment provided to us by Mother Nature. It embodies respect for our bodies and our environment.

Where do you see the future of farming? What do you hope for it?

Growth in the small scale farming scene. More people being enticed into the lifestyle, to contribute to the food system. I want to see more people involved and more people caring about their food and their environment.

February 22, 2018 by Ronni Martin

New stalls and talks at Organic Farmers Market

Free talks and demonstrations, on during the Market in March.

11th March from 9am to 11am : Christin Zeller from Five Elements Coaching is presenting “Tackling Stress and Worry”, under the office, during the Market.

18th March from 9am Food for Thought is back! Chef Glen Barrett will be giving you his hot cooking tips and taking you through his weekly seasonal shop. Sarah Follet from Baked Livingness, an expert in gluten free and dairy free cooking will be doing a talk and cooking demo.

More to be announced! Follow us on Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/northeystorganicmarket/

New stalls

The Brisbane City Council are appearing at the markets this weekend, 25th February 2018. They are looking for feedback regarding the future of Brisbane’s transport. Here’s your chance to assist by having a chat or filling out a survey.

Verity from Nadurtha is starting on the 4th March selling organic, Australian made, non-toxic deodorant.

We have a new food hub near Glorious Organics, that’s buzzing with new seating, stalls and music. James and Andrea from Phoenix Family Cafe started a couple of weeks ago and are killing it- be sure to try their wholesome breakfasts, grab a Parkers Juice or a coffee from Wandering Man Espresso’s cart. FYI, they are one of the only cafes around that don’t charge extra for vegan or dairy free alternatives- almond, soy or coconut milk – and will take 50 cents off your purchase if you bring your own coffee cup! Your wallet and the environment thanks you.

Valentine’s Day Hamper Winner

Congrats to Kirsty Reed on winning the NSCF Markets Valentine’s Day Hamper! It was a pleasure to meet you and we love that the hamper will be enjoyed by someone in the community. Thanks to all who participated.

And the next in our series of interviews with our stallholders:

Siobian from A-Zumble-Zay

Siobian is a maker of incredible handmade soft leather shoes, practical and beautiful leather bags, and one of a kind hand-crafted felt products using only the best Australian merino wool, alpaca, angora and cashmere. She also sells hats, belts, purses, jewelry, scarves, soaps and games.

How did you start working with leather?

I’ve always been a maker. I describe myself as a Maker, Creator, Instigator. My earliest memories revolve around creating and constructing. My Mother was a very good leatherworker and I learnt much more than I realised from her, and from playing with leather and other materials. I tend to cycle through various natural mediums, (fiber, wood, metal, clay, stone, fire, glass, etc.), and understanding the innate qualities of each promotes growth and experimentation. My work is continually evolving which keeps the passion alive. I love combining various materials and cross pollination of techniques.

Tell us more about the science behind soft soles for healthy feet! 😊
There are 4 main benefits:

Fit: The shoes I make are designed to fit the feet rather than the foot fit the shoe. So many shoes today require us to squeeze into shoes which are too narrow and bind the foot much like Chinese foot binding, just not as extreme. Try tracing around your foot then place a shoe over the tracing. Almost all adult feet I see show signs of distortion. Amazingly though I have witnessed over time feet returning towards what nature intended.

Feet move the way nature intended: Our feet are amazing. If your foot is restricted and supported then the joints, the ligaments, bones and muscles can’t move freely and do the job they were created to. People who walk/ run barefoot tend to walk much softer which places less strain on the joints. They move and place their feet in a more natural way.

Earthing or Grounding: Whether you believe or not is up to you, but basically we are electrical beings. Our nerves and synapses are electrical. The Earth is magnetic. Have you ever been zapped by a build-up in static electricity?

Proprioception: Immediate feedback as to where you are in space and stimulation of the nerves on the bottom of your feet. Plus you get a great foot massage as you walk. The increased blood flow and stimulus has been scientifically linked to better balance and more recently information is coming to light re the reduction of alzheimers severity. Disclaimer-I’m not medically trained. Make your own mind up. If you do intend to transition it is important to take time and listen to your body. It is not something you can rush.

Wow, that’s fascinating. You spend most Sundays at the markets, what’s your favourite market snack?

Either an OHK omelette or fresh seasonal fruit from any of the produce stalls.

Yes, those omelettes! What’s the best thing about working for yourself?

The flexibility when my children were younger was a great advantage. Also, creativity doesn’t work 9-5. It pops into your head at all hours.

And your youngest just finished year 12! Congrats! What do you love about NSCF Farmers Markets?

I love the community, the customers and the stallholders. They care. They are passionate about life, good clean unadulterated food, a sense of community and our environment. And most importantly, they are doing something positive about it. I have learnt so much and I am continuing to make changes thanks to the NSCF community.

May 20, 2017 by Ronni Martin

Working towards a zero-waste festival

As a sustainable living festival, we encourage all attendees to each do their bit to reduce our environmental impact while celebrating the gift of life the Earth provides us. This year we’re aiming to reduce our collective environmental impact by working towards a zero-waste festival.

All food stalls will be using either washable crockery and cutlery or biodegradable/compostable single-use items. So please help our Waste Management Team volunteers by returning your dirty dishes and cups to the washing up station at the Chai Cafe. We also welcome you to BYO if you wish to use your own plate, cutlery, mug, etc. There will be a place provided for you to wash them up.

Also, to minimise plastic waste, there will be no bottled water sold. Single use plastic bottled water is a massive waste of embedded energy and not necessary with a bit of forethought. Please BYO a re-usable water bottle or cup. We will have water refill stations around the site where you can top up all day. We appreciate your support in caring for our Planet.

Caloundra Music Festival are claiming they will be the first Australian event to make the move to zero-waste later this year. However, we know Renew Fest recently achieved it and now we will too. Let’s show the bigger festivals that it’s possible to party and be responsible citizens of Earth at the same time.

Check out our full program including our 11 sustainable living workshops.

Buy Tickets.

May 20, 2017 by Ronni Martin

Winter Solstice Festival Kids Kingdom

We have a jam-packed program of Nature-based Arts and fun activities in their own Kid’s Kingdom for the kids. The day starts with a chance to make some music with Beats Bus Productions Upcycled Drumming. Then there is a slower pace as the kids get their hands dirty while they Garden with Krystelle, where they will plant their own seed to take home. Circus Connections will then be leading the kids in some fun circus skills and play.

Throughout the day, Rachel from Nature Arts will be hosting a quiet space for the kids to paint with mud, play with clay and work with bits from nature to express their inner world. Then in the afternoon, the kids can make and decorate their own lantern for the Lantern Parade. Beeswax tea light candles will be available for sale for $1, generously supplied by Happy Flame Candles. Be sure to check out their stall at the Festival.

Another addition this year is our free creche service in the kid’s area for children aged 3-11. Your kids will be cared for and engaged in activities while you attend the adult workshops. Sign them in for up to 2 hours. (Conditions apply for the safety and comfort of your child.) Disclaimer: We will absolutely be held accountable for the flowers painted on their faces, dirt under their nails and the smiles on their faces when you return. 😊

KIDS KINGDOM program

All day Nature Art with Rachel French

12.00 Upcycled Drumming. Beats Bus Productions
2.00  Gardening for kids. Krystelle Ellaby
3.00  Circus Skills & Play. Circus Connect
4.00  Lantern Making. Rachel French

Check out our full festival program.

Buy Tickets.

March 23, 2017 by Ronni Martin

2017 Winter Solstice Festival Update

Winter Solstice Festival

17 June 2017

With the Autumn Equinox upon us, we are now in full swing getting the Winter Solstice Festival organised. In less than three months, we will be celebrating the shortest day of the year with an abundant education program, loads of great activities for the kids, a new program just for teens and a great ceremony and music program to connect and entertain you. We know we have a diverse community, that’s what makes the farm special, so we’re pulling together an abundant and varied program to cater to you all, and to perhaps give you an opportunity to expose yourself to some new ideas

Program

Our education program this year will see talks and workshops happening in three different tents throughout the afternoon, covering topics relevant to the three ethics of Permaculture, which are Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share. We feel it is important to explore the bigger picture of what true sustainability entails. Earth care is obviously essential, however without people care and nurturing healthy, sustainable relating, the task of coming together and working as a community can be greatly hindered. Finally, if attention and conscious intention isn’t given to the economic sustainability of communities, and the distribution of resources isn’t managed in a self-sustaining model, then a community may struggle to be truly sustainable in the long term. Our program will focus on these three aspects of sustainable living, bringing together first-class educators and presenters in their fields of expertise to share their knowledge with you.

Our kids program is always really popular, so we are pulling together a mix of old favourites and newcomers to inspire, educate and entertain your children. We are also exploring the idea of offering a Creche service in the kids’ area, so that parents can attend the adult program and pay attention, whilst knowing that their children are safe and happy enjoying their own kids program. Plus, this year for the first time, we will have a teens program with activities specifically targeted to their specific interests and learning styles. We want to provide something for everyone in the family this year, so you can all come along and enjoy the winter solstice together.

Finally, our music program is coming together nicely, with a great line-up of artists, including several popular acts who performed at Woodford Folk Festival recently. The afternoon’s music program will help you chill and relax out on the green, before we have you coming together in song and ceremony, and then dancing around the bonfire to the beat of the drum. After the ceremony and bonfire, you can choose to get your groove on and dance the night away with a great band on the mainstage. Or join a more intimate affair, where the entertainment on the chalkboard stage will be provided by you and your fellow community members who wish to get up and share your musical talents with an encouraging audience. Whichever you choose, I’m sure it will be a night to remember.

Getting Involved in the Winter Solstice Festival

Please follow us on Facebook, so you can keep up-to-date with our full program as we release it in the lead up to the Winter Solstice festival.

Also, if you would like to be involved in the lead up and set up of the festival, or on the day, you can get in touch with me about becoming a volunteer. And if you can commit just 3 hours of your time, we will give you free entry to the event in exchange, making this great event accessible to everyone. I’m happy to chat with you about what you can contribute. Please email me via events@nscf.org.au with “Volunteering” as your subject line. Make sure you tell me a little about yourself, what experience, skills and passions you have and what role/s you feel you could be involved with. Possibilities include helping with marketing, putting up fencing and marquees prior to the event, stage management, security, child care (blue card required), or parking attendant on the day. We need a wide range of people and skills, so get in touch and become a part of this great event.

I look forward to hearing from you and to co-creating this wonderful event for our community with you.

To everyone else, see you at the Solstice Festival on June 17^th !

Georgia

March 2017