The bushfires across the country have been devastating to so many people and places on so many levels. We have been wondering as farmers, what we can do to contribute in the aftermath. We don’t have large amounts of money, but we do have produce, some time and great connections within our local community, so the idea we’ve come up with is a luscious local dinner.
A wonderful team of four local chefs are donating their time and creativity to whip up a feast from the abundance of local produce and prodcuts that have been donated by many generous local businesses. There will be a bar of local wines and beers on the night too.
100% of funds raised are going to bushfire recovery. Some of the more well known bushfire organisations and appeals have been receiving massive donations which we think is fantastic! We thought rather than contribute to those organisations we would choose ones that are perhaps a little less well known, but equally deserving. We want the funds raised to go towards, not just the immediate response of rebuilding what has been lost and protecting against future fires, but also towards the broader and long term vision.
Rather than choose one Bushfire Appeal to donate to we’ve decided on three. As farmers we can understand the full devastation of losing your feed, your soil, stock, crops, infrastructure, wind breaks, the work it takes decades to achieve; your livelihood. So, half of total dollars raised will go to ORICoop. The Organic Farmers Bushfire Appeal is coordinated by ORICoop (Organic & Regenerative Investment Co-operative) bringing together farmers, consumers, businesses and partners to support bushfire affected farmers in this time of need….focussed on increasing the amount, diversity and productivity of organically & regeneratively managed farmland around Australia, while building a resilient Australian food and farming system.
100% of Appeal funds will directly assist farmers to Restore, Rejuvenate and
Regenerate themselves and their farmland, and will help to:-
● replace essential farming equipment
● buy certified organic fodder & grain
● provide livestock transport to alternative organic farmland
● fund new seasons plantings
● replace burnt fruit & nut trees
● restore vegetation
● coordinate teams of volunteers to restore farms
and are currently working with farmers in these regions:-
- -East Gippsland – Bairnsdale and surrounding areas
- -Kangaroo Island
- -Lobethal (Adelaide)
- -North East VIC – Corryong and surrounding areas
- -NSW South Coast – Batemans Bay/Moruya
- -NSW Mid Coast/Coffs Harbour/Wauchope
- -NSW South Coast – Cobargo/Bermagui/Brogo/Bega
– read more here: http://organicinvestmentcooperative.com.au/opportunities/organic-farmers-bushfire-appeal/
The remaining half of funds raised will go to Wildlife Victoria and the local CFA branch.
As we see it, growing and sharing good food at a local level is a crucial element of how we both mitigate and develop resilience in the face of climate change. Growing strong connections within the community is another major part of this. This is why we grow food and this is why we are choosing to bring people together to share a meal, grown here on this land, in solidarity with all the people, animals and land that have been effected by the fires. This time, we were lucky. Next time, it might be us.
Tickets are selling fast, but if you would like to come to the dinner you can buy a ticket (or make a donations, or both) HERE
Photo Credit: Felix Wilson