Healesville Organic Farmers’ Market is celebrating its fourth birthday with Autumnfest.By Kath Gannaway
THREE Healesville groups are getting together on Saturday in a joint celebration of the fourth birthday of the Organic Farmers’ Market and the autumn equinox.
Yarra Valley Permaculture, Yarra Valley Railway and C4 Healesville will hold another Autumnfest at the Healesville railway station on Saturday 15 March from 9am to 2pm.
The farmers’ market has become a regular part of the Saturday routine for many local residents.
Market founder Graeme George said Autumnfest would have a climate change focus.
“It will focus on community efforts to minimise the effects of climate change being brought on by global warming and the urgent need to move away from our dependence on fossil fuels to grow and transport our food, generate our electricity and otherwise underpin our consumptive lifestyles,” Mr George said.
“With increasingly worrying predictions about the future we all face, it’s time for everyone to have a serious look at how we can each make changes for the common good.”
The weekly farmers market will continue to promote local food production and will be supported by a promotion of community supported agriculture and seed saving.
“At the market all produce is being labelled with grower details and location to enable buyers to be aware of the ‘food miles’ involved in the food they eat,” Mr George said.
Local permaculture groups will serve pancake breakfasts. There will also be advice and books on permaculture as well as a display of heritage apple varieties.
C4 Healesville will provide information and independent advice on the choices for signing up for green energy from power companies and will be supported by displays of electric vehicles and solar hot water systems.
The Rare Breeds Trust will be promoting the conservation and use of rare livestock breeds and free-range pork sausages will be on the barbecue for lunch.
Yarra Valley Railway will have teas, coffee and snacks at its cafe and will run trolley rides throughout the day.
Other groups involved are Mount Toolebewong Landcare, Healesville Environment Watch, Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum and the Community Labyrinth group.
“This celebration provides an opportunity for community groups to get together and support each other’s efforts to build a more resilient and locally self-reliant community for the people of the Yarra Valley,” Mr George said.
For further information phone Mr George on 5962 5070.
