| Urban Graze Junior |
| A Sustainable World in the Hills’ |
| Urban Graze wows the Hunter |
| MTAS School Holiday program |
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Macquarie Towns Arts Society will be unning their popular School Holiday
Art & Craft workshops for Kids 5-15yrs in the July break. A full listing of Recreation activities, is as follows- Members of the Arts Society encourage the younger folk of the Hawkesbury to be creative during the holidays with these Fun Workshops. Something different to do at a very small cost with materials supplied. |
| Agriculture Today (June 27th) |
| Food and Wine Project is Completed |
| Pukara Estate Olive Oil |
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Pukara Estate is in the beautiful Upper Hunter Valley, near the little town of Denman. The estate grows seven different varieties of olives to produce a wide range of delicious olive oils which have consistently won awards in national competitions and gained significant international recognition. Pukara Estate manages the whole process - they tend the trees, harvest and press the oil on-site, then bottle, package and distribute their popular range of olive based products. Their range includes two premium oils, as well as six flavoured oils (garlic, lemon, lime, chilli, pepper, wasabi) - also three dukkahs, six tapenades, four mayonnaises and, of course, olives.
More recently Pukara has become involved in producing a great range of balsamic vinegars, including their very popular caramelised and barrel aged balsamics, but also three delicious flavoured vinegars (pomegranate, blackcurrant and vanilla/cinnamon). One of the reasons Pukara Estate olive oils taste so good is their FRESHNESS - Pukara bottle their products every week to guarantee freshness on the shelf. At harvest time (April) they release their extremely popular "Novello" unfiltered oil, straight off the press. This cloudy, dark green oil is the freshest you are ever likely to taste and the number of bottles is limited, each one individually numbered. Pukara sell their products at several Growers Markets including Rouse Hill and you can often meet the very people who own and run the estate at these markets. |
| Environmental Health Conference Brisbane 2008 |
| Fernbrook Garden and Botanical Art Gallery |
| Hawkesbury Harvest submission to NSW State Government |
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As you know Hawkesbury Harvest are very interested in retaining land for agriculture in various forms. We have made a submission to the State Government on the sub regional plans for both the North West and South West subregions.
The submission must be read in conjunction with both the North West and South West Sub Regional plans which can be found at this link; http://www.metrostrategy.nsw.gov.au/dev/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=81&la Please download it if you are interested in food systems, eating local, eating fresh. It is your future. |
| Award winning Pasta Grower at Castle Hill Market |
| Media Release; BHSC, Mayor Phillips |
| Vacancies for Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves Tour |
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Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves weekend tour on the 12th and 13th April
What a great weekend this is. Janice and her team will pamper you all weekend. There are just 2 places left so get in early. The tour includes lunch both days, dinner and accommodation and a concert in the cave Saturday night plus morning or afternoon tea both days. The price for 2 people is $1160. The pick up and drop off point for this weekend is Wilberforce but can be organised elsewhere. Contact Janice Hart Hawkesbury Sightseeing Tours Windsor Ghost Tours www.hstours.com.au 0408 751 422 0245 751 421 |
| Grandma’s Peach Jam |
| A Taste of Slow |
| Taste of Sydney: 2009 |
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Taste is a unique 3 day festival set in beautiful surroundings and isn’t just about sampling mouth watering dishes from Australia’s best restaurants, its also a chance to shop for premium food and beverages, watch the experts in our Chef’s Theatre or educate your palate with a range of tasting sessions.
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| Free Pre-Apprenticeship courses, February 2008 |
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You might be aware of some present or past students who are interested in attending one of the following courses:
Cheffing - Campbelltown -25 February 2008 Baking - Wollongong - 18 February 2008 Baking - Ultimo - 3 March 2008 Cheffing - Kingswood - 11 February 2008 Baking - Kingswood - 18 February 2008 For further details, please contact Alliance People Solutions 1300 657 925 or Kelly van Ovost 0423 895 490. |
| Cuba's Urban Argiculture. |
| Chidren's Art After School classes. |
These popular classes have been run by the society for about 20 years. Many local people had their first art lessons with MTAS, some going on to Art careers, others having a deeper appreciation of art and a more creative life as a result. With these afternoon classes during term & Art & Craft workshops in school holidays the Arts Society endeavours to foster children's love of Art & the skills needed, such as using tools & materials, observation of the world around them & translating ideas into visual images on paper, canvas, etc. The Art After School Classes for children 8 - 14 years old are held on Mondays & Wednesdays, 4 - 5.30pm with 1st term 2008 starting on Mon. 4th & Wed. 6th February. |
| GR8 Mates Mentoring Program |
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Can you be a friend to a young person?
If you can and you want to assist a young person to grow and succeed this mentoring program might be for you. The Schools Industry Partnership is looking for mentors for year 9 and year 10 students. There is 7 nights of personal development for you as a mentor before the program starts (once a week) and then you must commit to about 1.5 hours per week to be with your new friend from around April to October, excluding holidays and exam times. During your training you will pick up heaps of new people skills, learn to build life long relationships and learn different communication tactics. It will be very rewarding. For more information click through. |
| Urban Graze loves Christmas |
| Toque gets 4 star rating |
| Stop Press: Christmas Tree Farm Open |
We have just signed a new member who grows Christmas Trees. The Christmas Tree Farm is a great farm where you can 'pick your own and cut down your own' Christmas Tree. John and his family have grown these most lovely shaped Christmas Trees. They are varying sizes up to 3 metres. Great value with nothing over $35.00 Get in quick they wont last. Contact John on 0423 906 696. They are located at the corner of Northern Road and Elizabeth Drive, Luddenham. Only open for 24 Days, 9am - 6pm |
| School Based Traineeships / Apprenticeship |
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Looking for extra labour and want to help students at the same time. School Based Traineeships and School based Apprenticeships for 2008 are now on offer. Get in early.
This is where you employ an year 11 student and the Government pays you up. ($2000 in some cases and $2500 in other cases). The nominal wage that you have to pay is very very low and they are trained for you. Called Rhonda Stone at DET for more information 02 9208 7629. The kids need your help. There are plenty of benefits to you and the community, download the flyer. |
| Lets Do Lunch at Toque |
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Toque has been invited by the Sydney Morning Herald to participate in the Good Food Month, Let's Do Lunch promotion, which runs between Wednesday 3 October and Wednesday 31 October 2007.
We are extremely privileged to have been invited, along with many of Sydney's leading restaurants and, as you can probably imagine, the excitement at Toque, at the moment, is palpable!! Starting on Wednesday 3 October during lunchtime trading hours our special "Let's Do Lunch" menu will consist of a main course including coffee, and either a glass of Brown Bros wine, a James Squire beer or a 500ml bottle of S.Pellegrino. Bookings are recommended for this not to be missed event. A preview of our Let's Do Lunch Menu, which appeared today in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Living Magazine is attached. In the meantime, we have a new spring a la carte menu and our kitchen now bakes fresh cake - so you can call into Toque just for coffee & cake should you have a craving for something sweet. |
| Export Opportunities. |
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Please find attached an invitation to an extremely interesting seminar that is being held at Council on the 14th September.
There is no doubt that North East Asia is the place to be for Australian exporters. The region collectively accounts for over a third of Australia?s merchandise exports. Australia?s top 3 export markets are in North East Asia ? Japan, China and South Korea. If any of the markets in North East Asia are of interest to you, then don?t miss this vital briefing by Austrade?s Market Specialists who will present detailed information on the emerging export opportunities including key sectors. The briefing will cover markets of: v Japan v China v South Korea v Hong Kong v Taiwan To book your seat register on line at www.smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au or call Ros Mitchelson on (02) 9338 6758 or fill in the attached fax back form. Registration is FREE so why not come along, network and talk to the experts. |
| Tizzana Winery releases new range of product. |
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New Non alcoholic Product Range from Tizzana Winery
Tizzana Winery has released a new range of preserves and jellies to capture more flavours of the Hawkesbury The new range of products add to an existing range of tree ripened olives, Prunes in Port and Apricots in White Port and cover a wide range of chutneys and jams made from local fruits. However it is the new range of wine jellies that are receiving most comment. |
| Food System Planing Lecture |
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If you are interested in food and food planning this lecture, on the 18th July, will enlighten you.
The Sydney Food Fairness Alliance & Sydney University's Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning invites you to a free evening seminar with Dr. Kami Pothukuchi (USA) for Planners, Policy Makers, Community Builders, Food/Health/Urban Agriculture Advocates and interested others See attached document. |
| Eat Here Reclaiming Homegrown Pleasures in a Global Supermarket |
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A few extracts for a new book, by Brian Halweil, A WorldWatch Book, 2004. (From our Canadian Agriculture friends)
p.10 ? ?Sociologists? estimate that people have 10 times as many conversations at farmers markets than at supermarkets.? p.123 ? In a survey of 1600 people conducted by Iowa State University, more than 75% of consumers preferred the label ?grown locally by family farmers? over other options, including ?organic? and a quarter of participants said they?d pay more for their products. Surveys have also found that sales of local food would benefit from piggy backing on related ecological or social distinctions like ?organic?, ?hormone-free? and ?raised by family farmers?. p.75 ? US Ag Census 2002 ? the smallest category of farm, with an average size of 2 hectares, produces $15,104 per ha and netted approximately $2902/ha. The largest farms averaging 15,581 ha yielded $249 per ha and netted approximately $52/ha. ?The inverse relationship between farm size and output can be attributed to the more efficient use of land, water, and other agricultural resources that small operations afford, including the efficiencies of intercropping various plant in the same field, planting multiple items during the year, targeting irrigation, and integrating crops and livestock. So in terms of converting inputs into outputs, society would be better off with small-scale farmers.? |
| Local Foods: A study in breaking down the barriers to establishing a local food system. |
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Another Hawkesbury Harvest member sent this link through from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.
News Release June 21, 2007 U of G Study Aimed at Creating Local Food System Grocery stores have organic, vegetarian and vegan sections, so why not a locally grown section? U of G researchers are embarking on a one-year study aimed at breaking down barriers standing in the way of establishing a local food system. This project could ultimately lead to shoppers having the convenience of going to any local grocery chain and buying from a section solely dedicated to food produced in Guelph and Wellington County. ?It?s not very easy for consumers to access local food right now unless they get up early on a Saturday and go to the farmers? market,? said Prof. Karen Landman, of Environmental Design and Rural Development, who is part of the research team. ?It?s not like people have time to be driving across the country landscape in search of their evening meal. It has to be made more convenient.? Consumer demand for local food is currently booming, said Landman, but there is no system in place to feed it. ?The interest in a local food system seems to be partly a kick back at the globalization of agriculture, and it?s creating an opportunity for both farmers and consumers.? Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), the study involves interviewing stakeholders involved in local food production and consumption in Guelph and Wellington County to find out what the common problems and opportunities are. The research group will then submit a report to the ministry with a list of recommendations. |
| Local Sustainable Agriculture: A Canadian Perspective |
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Hawkesbury Harvest is now receiving more global information on the struggle to keep agricultureal local.
Read the Canadian document. It is you the consumer that will decide. If you want local foods, you must buy local foods. If your local store has not got it ask for it or drop into your local Farm Gate. Perhaps the Hawkesbury Region should start a series of true dialogues on this and many other subjects. |
| New Food - Craft Market Opportunity |
| Yummmmmmmm: Don't miss out |
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Tizzana Winery now have available a full range of hand made chocolates, made
from the finest Belgium chocolate by Manly based chocolatier Casey Sheehan. Currently there are seven flavours available including: o Almond Moguls ~ Crisp deep roasted Almonds in milk chocolate. A classic flavour taken to a new level. ~ 140g (10-13 pieces) o Chilli Bark ~ The chocolate goes walkabout on your palate and joins with the cinnamon and dark chocolate for a warm embrace. Subtle is the key to a very successful flavour combination. ~ 140g (10-13 pieces) o Choco Latte ~ Crunchy coffee beans and natural coffee flavour through a thin flat presentation of dark chocolate. ~ 140g (10-13 pieces) |
| Penrith Valley Oranges Goes 2 and 5 |
| Food, Why is it an Urban Planning issue? |
| Food Labelling |
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Food Standards Australia and New Zealand have released a book regarding how to interpret all the information on your food labels. Rsearch by FSANZ indicates that while consumers appreciate and use the information on food labels, they don?t always know how to interpret it into healthy eating patterns
Read on for more information. |
| Exciting New Product Development |
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Tally Matthew, a young farmer and member of Hawkesbury Harvest has teamed up with Leigh James and in conjunction with Year 3 Food Tech & Science students conducted product research topic as part of their Product Development course recognised by UWS-Hawkesbury.
The product they are developing is marinated artichoke hearts. Tally grows this product and is now going to value add to this product. The test results for the product are very encouraging. Their next step is to find a way to take it from the kitchen to (pilot) plant production. Congratulations. The students will be presenting a seminar & results of this project next Wednesday May 30th at 10.50am in building M8 room 022 (M8.022). If you are interested in what they achieved and interested in finding out about their next steps - taking the product into the future, please get along to this seminar. A map of UWS is attached. |
| Artisans Trail: www.hawkesburyartisantrail.com.au |
31 Galleries and Studios.This is a great initiative. Why not drop into a few Galleries / Studios whilst getting your fresh produce. For more information go to their website. www.hawkesburyartisantrail.com.au |
| Hawkesbury Wines |
| Tizzana Wines win at Hawkesbury Show |
| Fernbrook Garden and Gallery |
Fernbrook Garden is enjoying its Autumn spleandor and will be magnificent for the month of May and even early June.12 acres of woodland garden with Autumn colour including many varieties of Autumn Berries, Dogwoods, Maples, Enkianthus Rainforest walk with abundant birdlife, varieties of ferns and excellent collection of shade plants Botanical Art Atudio/Gallery housing original watercolours and limited edition prints by Elaine Musgrave. Gifts and cards are also available Complimentary refreshments Fernbrook supports the Open Garden Scheme during the Mothers Day Weekend of May 12 & 13 |
| Rocking Horse at the Easter Show |
| Farm Day |
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Farm Day is when a farm family hosts a city family for a day for a real hands-on experience and a greater understanding of the day-to-day life of the farming family.
Farm Day aims to foster a greater understanding of farming amongst urban Australians through a farming family sharing their life with a city family for a day of 'fun, friendship and understanding'. The experience provides a chance to see how the modern farmer operates, and how it affects our daily lives. The inaugural Farm Day was held in Victoria in May 2006 and was such a success that it is now a national event. Farm Day will take place nationally on Saturday and Sunday 26 & 27 May 2007. Farm families and city families can register to take part in Farm Day on this website. The host farm and their guests will be personally matched together based on criteria such as: · distance they are willing to travel · ages of children · special interests You will be contacted by your Farm Day matchmaker. You will then be sent an information pack to help you prepare for the day The city family will then travel to the farm for the day. Logon and register now. get your kids out on a farm. www.farmday.com.au/ |
| Field Vegetable Demonstration Block |
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Field Vegetable Demonstration Block on the Yarramundi Paddocks at UWS-H, Richmond (Southee Rd), to show Good Agricultural Practice (especially soil & water and pest & disease management - with seasonal veg variety comparison demos as the carrot to get growers to attend), attached is an invitation for March 29th to come and look at the initial progress made to date and the commercial and/or agency partnership potential of the site.
More Information to follow, eg contact number time and place to meet. |
| Sustainable farming in the Sydney basin theme of turf farmer field day |
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Sustainable farming in the Sydney basin is the theme of a field day to be held at 2006 Young Farmer of the Year winner Greg Miller?s turf farm at Windsor.
The field day event will be held 10am -12noon on Tuesday, 27 March at Millers Turf Supplies, 107 Wilberforce Road, Windsor. An initiative of the organisers of the annual excellence in farming awards, NSW Farmers Association and the State Government, the field day aims to showcase Greg?s achievements in the turf farming industry and promote awareness of challenges facing Sydney basin producers. Announcing the field day today, NSW Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald and NSW Farmers Association President Jock Laurie, encouraged primary industry producers to attend. ?This is a great opportunity for farmers from throughout the Sydney basin to come and tour Greg?s turf farm enterprise and hear him talk about his approach to staying profitable in a very competitive industry,? Mr Laurie said. ?Greg has also had to cope with the drought?s impact on turf production, and he will outline some of the ways in which he has adapted his products to maintain his market share.? Mr Macdonald said Greg would also talk about some of the current environment challenges facing rural producers in the Sydney basin. ?Better management of water use, soil health and catchment ponds have all been issues Greg has had to address, and he will be sharing his views on sustainability at the field day,? he said. Greg said he was looking forward to sharing some of his farming approaches with others in the primary industries sector. Morning tea will be supplied. Interested visitors are asked to RSVP to either NSW Farmers Association on 1300 794 000 or Trudy Glasgow 6391 3312 by 23 March. |
| William Wilberforce the Man behind the Town |
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William Wilberforce: The man behind our town
Purpose : Bicentenary of the abolition of slavery A once in a lifetime opportunity to be apart of the 200th year celebration of the Man called William Wilberforce. Come and remember the man, reflect on his impact in the abolition of slavery and respond to issues of modern day slavery. Who is invited? We are seeking to have this as a whole community event and ask that everyone come to this day. We are focusing on the local school,pre-school, day care, the local churches, the local businesses and friends and relative past and present from wilberforce. What will happen? National Launch of the movie "Amazing Grace" - story of William Wilberforce People sharing their Stories about modern Day slavery as victims - Sudanese Africans and Rahab Ministries women freed from her chains. Mini dramas re-enacting some of the history of slavery. Manikins sharing the Amazing Grace: The Inspirational Stories of William Wilberforce, John Newton, and Olaudah Equiano Dressing up in early 1800's period costume See Coming Events on website for more details or Contact Sarah Plummer 0421215341 |
| Networking Works |
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Networking works.
Lochiel House Café ?Restaurant and Gallery had some customers who wanted to pick some fresh fruit. A quick call to Shields Orchard and sometime later 9 people turned up, picked over $100 worth of Apples and had lots of fun. A win for the Customers, A win for Lochiel House, A win for Shields Orchard and a win for the Hawkesbury and a win for those who love growing produce. Congratulations everyone. Let us know if you have heard any stories like this. |
| Willowbrae Chevre Cheese wins Gold, Silver, Silver, Silver and Silver |
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Karen and David Borg from Willowbrae Chevre Cheese, has bagged one gold and four silver medals in the Australia?s Champion Cheese and Dairy Produce Show.
Ms Borg, who?s a member of Hawkesbury Harvest, has a farm in Wilberforce and sells her award-winning produce at markets. Her fresh curd won gold in the Cheesemakers Competition. Her marinated chevre, St Albans (a mould-ripened cheese, cheese and pesto dip and natural goat?s fetta all received silver medals in their categories. (Source Hawkesbury Independent) Karen and David and their Cheeses can be found at the Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers and Gourmets Food market at the Castle Hill Showground on the second Saturday of each month. They also are at other leading markets in Sydney. |
| Macquarie Towns Arts Society: Judy Brownlie Workshop |
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Macquarie Towns Arts Society is running a Modern Acrylic Landscape Painting Workshop in the Stan Stevens Studio in the Deerubbin Centre, Windsor. It will run from 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday 24th March,07, with Judy Brownlie
who is an internationally recognised local Hawkesbury Artist who runs her own studio-gallery with workshops & classes. She has won many awards including the Laural Wood Memorial Plein Air Painting Prize held last year at the Deerubbin centre. Judy feels it is important to share her skills & knowledge of painting & her love of art with those interested in learning. Her extensive training & enthusiasm make her a popular teacher. She is also the President of the long running Hawkesbury Community Arts Workshop at UWS-H. The attached flyer has details & a photo of Judy Brownlie with her work. |
| Wrapt in Wool |
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This is a new and special event on the Farm Gate Trail.
Visitors can watch hand spinning and weaving and buy fleeces, hand spun wool, garments and accessories which have been hand made and dyed by Hawkesbury region craftspeople. Put this in your Diary now. Where: Virginia Farm, 122 Annangrove Road, Annangrove 10am - 3pm 4th March 2007 What: Spinning demonstrations, sales of fleeces, handspun & dyed yarn, handknitted or felted garments and accessories. |
| A Love of Cows Exhibition at the Purple Noon Gallery |
| Oysters in the House |
The NSW Oyster Industry and the NSW Farmers? Association ran a very successful event on the 8th February. It was a Regional showcase featuring the 9 wineries and 8 oysters regions across NSW. It was called Oysters in the House 2007.Over 400 people attended the three sessions and they voted Ravell Oysters, from Wallis Lake the top Oyster. Runners ups were Holiday Coast Oysters, Hastings River, Kingtide Oysters, Shoalhaven. The Hawkesbury was represent by Broken Bay Oysters, Jojo?s Jetty Winery and Vicarys Winery. These three Hawkesbury Harvest members supplied the Oysters and the matching wines. Thankyou. It was a great event and again showcased the fabulous product that is available in the Hawkesbury Region. Hawkesbury Harvest would like to thanks its co sponsors, Hawkesbury Regional Tourism Association and Baulkham Shire Council for their generous support. We would also like to thank Ossian Hall (www.ossianhall.com.au) for donating a prize for the event. Ossian Hall is a special place. Thanks Jim and Diane, your guests will be coming from the French Trade Commission. |
| King Estate International: Open Day with your favourite Arabian Horse |
We?d like to welcome one and all to our Open House this Saturday afternoon. A bbq and drinks on arrival (all free) will be followed by a presentation of some of the worlds most beautiful and accomplished Arabian, Andalusian and American Miniature horses.The afternoon will be relaxed and enjoyable, allowing you find out how you can get involved in this amazing lifestyle. Our mission is the establishment of friendships and partnerships that allow all Horse enthusiasts and new horse enthusiasts to enjoy the pride of owning the finest horses in the world while benefiting from expert, professional management and a relatively low cost of entry. We guide you through the various options of horse ownership and then tailor an individual program to meet your desires. KEI provides you with a unique range of services that cover everything from showing, breeding, pleasure, and marketing. We regularly host groups of enthusiast to major events around the world, offering you all the enjoyment and lifestyle that?s just comes naturally to the horse world! King Estate specialises in Arabian horses, however we work with all horses including managing a group of Andalusians and American miniature Horses. We provide the solution to enriching life enhancing experiences of owning a horse. Clients can treasure their experiences with these beautiful animals without distraction while we tend to all their needs and desires. |
| Young Artist with a eye for Jazz |
It is rare to find a young artist that has an eye and appreciation for the past but this is just what Daniel O?Toole, who is only 22, has in his penchant for the past greats of jazz music. Daniel uses their images as inspiration for his art, which can be seen in the Kurrajong Village at Toque Restaurant & Café from 22nd February for a month. |
| Beetroots, Cauilflowers and Ducks |
Acclaimed chef Steve Manfredi has been tantalising tastebuds as the ?Interactive Cook? for the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age websites - smh.com.au and theage.com.au.Each week, from his own kitchen, Steve demonstrates how to prepare delicious and simple dishes that emphasise the use of fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Recently, Steve was asked to produce a WINTER DVD with Fairfax Digital that showcased his love of slow, comfort cooking for the winter season. We wanted to take Steve out of his kitchen and on location to show him sourcing fine ingredients and the Hawkesbury region with its range of market gardens and gourmet suppliers seemed an ideal choice. The Hawkesbury Harvest organisation couldn't have been more helpful. We filmed at Hawkesbury Vegetable Farm with Joe Sultana and at Pepe's Duck Farm. We had the added challenge of trying to film a winter show in the middle of steamy February! Not only did this mean that certain winter vegetables were not yet growing, it also meant we had to get up to the Hawkesbury early enough to film in the gentle morning light before the sun began to blaze. |
| WARES: a Windsor Antiques Road Show |
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Viktoria Darbai from the Rocking horse Lodge and the Windsor & Hawkesbury Antiques and Collectables Trail will be holding their second Windsor Antiques Road Evaluation Show (W.A.R.E.S) on Saturday 3 March 2007. Local antique business owners will be on hand to share their knowledge and evaluate such items as jewellery, antiques, collectables, books and furniture.
John Williams from John Williams Auctions will also be on hand to answer questions about selling valuables at auction. |
| Learn Landscape Painting from an expert. |
| Berry Good Farm have closed it doors |
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Berry Good Farm have decided to close it doors forever, due to lower margins.
Hawkesbury Harvest would like to thanks Tony Jones and his team at Berry Good Farm for the work they have done in assisting Hawkesbury Harvest grow in the Hornsby Shire. Tony was instrumental in opening doors and representing Hawkesbury Harvest at various meeting in the formative years of the organisation. We wish them well. |
| Want to know about Value Adding your Food Product |
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National Food Industry Strategy (NFIS ) Ltd invites regional food producers, and their industry supporters keen to learn from each other about opportunities to grow their business, to a workshop & conference being held in Melbourne on Monday 26th February 2007. Learn to value?add 2007 will share the success stories and lessons learned on adding value to regional food businesses, the contributions of regional food groups, and opportunities within food tourism.
Speakers will include food producers like Doug Cush whose company Bellata Gold won the Agribusiness Value?adding Award in the 2006 NAB Agribusiness Awards for Excellence; Susan Berlin (Island Pure - Sheep?s Cheese), Rod Polkinghorne (Polkinghorne?s Beef) and many more. |
| Pine Crest Orchard Open Day |
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John and his family are planning a big day for you at Pine Crest Orchard
They have a big crop of apples with Akane (like an early Jonathan) and Gravensteins and will be ready on Jan 20. Pine Crest Orchard will also have Peaches, Nashi and Plums ready to pick. Open 9.00am to 5.30pm Sausage sizzle from 11.30 Self guided tour to see over 70 different varieties of 10 different types of deciduous fruit being grown. Happy to answer queries re home fruit growing You can find Pine Crest Orchard, just behind the Bilpin Public School, off Bells Line of Road on the left. |
| Oysters in the House |
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Hawkesbury Harvest and it members will be on show again on the 8th of February.
The NSW Farmers Federation in conjunction with regional oyster growers and wine makers have prepared for you a mouth watering delight. Fresh oysters and matching regional wines will be available at Customs House, Circular Quay. You will be able to unwind and experience the best Sydney Rock Oysters in NSW. · Start in the Oyster Bar ? Taste and Rate for the Peoples Choice Award · Move to the Regional Showcase ? Taste local wines with local Oysters · Finish in the Rock Salt Bar ? relax on the balcony. |
| Macquarie Towns Art Scoiety School Workshops |
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The Macquarie Towns Arts Society's
School Holiday Art & Craft Workshop Program January, 2007. 1.Mon 15th Jan 10-12noon - GLASS PAINTING 2.Mon 15th Jan 1-3PM - TREASURE BOXES 3.Tues 16th Jan 10-12 - WATERCOLOURS 4.Tues 16th Jan 1-3 - POTTERY 5.Wed 17th Jan 10-12 - CARTOONING 6.Wed 17th Jan 1-3 - MASK MAKING 7.Thu 18th Jan 10-12 - DREAM CATCHERS 8.Thu 18th Jan 1-3 - JEWELLERY 9.Fri 19th Jan 10-12 - DRAWING 10.Fri 19th Jan 1-3 - PAINTING COST: $12 per 2hr class. ALL EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED. VENUE: HAWKESBURY COMMUNITY COLLEGE ROOM 5, CIVIC ARCADE, WINDSOR ST, RICHMOND. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: 02 45 783446 (7 Days, 8.30am-7pm) PLACES LIMITED. ALL WELCOME. After School Art Classes for Term 1,2007 now also enrolling. |
| Fun and Learning at Mount Tomah Botanical Gardens |
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This summer will be absolutely fantastic at the Gardens.
Mount Tomah Botanical Gardens has put together a summer of fun and learning for big and small people. Drive up through the Mountains and get involved. The following is a just a snap shot of what is on. Download the full calendar of events. · Create Your Own Gumnut Pot · Earth Journeys Project ? Eucalyptus Forest · Where Lightening Strikes Sculpture Trail · Painting with Plants · The Birds and the Beasts |
| Farm Gate Trail, extending to Penrith |
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Hawkesbury Harvest and Penrith City Council are working together to extend the Farm Gate Trail into the Penrith LGA.
This is an important step in the growth of Hawkesbury Harvest and we thank Penrith City Council for trusting us to highlight the role and importance of fresh, local produce and the recreational opportunities in having access to our farms creates for the consumers at Penrith. |
| Friends of the Hawkesbury Art Collection and Regional Gallery |
| Providores and Growers Wanted. |
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Hawkesbury Harvest is interested in speaking with Providores and Growers to develop mutually beneficial relationship in relation to the distribution of Fresh and Value added produce.
If you are all interested in talking to us or know someone who might be interested in being involved with Hawkesbury Harvest. Please contact Hawkesbury Harvest Food and Wine Coordinator, Carol Layton on 0406237877 or Alan Eagle, Secretary, Hawkesbury Harvest on 0415244477 |
| International Farm Gate Tours |
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Ryan Thompson from Good Az Gold Tours last weekend and advised he was conducting a tour of the Farm Gate Trail with 10 Malaysians who are here in the Hawkesbury on a accelerated course of Management at TAFE.
Exposure to international markets are one of the keys to the Hawkesbury?s ongoing success. The Hawkesbury is on the doorstep of Sydney. It is close the water, national parks, farms and its agricultural grounds are one of the keys to it ongoing success. Agri-Tourism is growing and international tours like these will continue to be demanded. Good one Ryan and TAFE. |
| The Prawn Industry |
| If you missed out on the hearing Simon Marnie (702 ABC Radio) chat with Gary Howard on a trip on the Hawkesbury river to learn about the Prawning Industry, just cut and paste this link to the ABC website and you can read the story, view the pictures and hear Gary and Simon chat about the prawning Industry. http://www.abc.net.au/sydney/stories/s1792459.htm |
| Hawkesbury Showcase |
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Hawkesbury Harvest, NSW Department of State and Regional Development, DPI and NSW Tourism put on a very successful showcase of the Food, Wine and Flora from our most beautiful region.
Hawkesbury Harvest would like to thank all members, friends, volunteers who contributed time, product and other resources to make this showcase a terrific week. I have attached the media release from the Mr John Aqualina, Member of Riverstone and Speaker for the NSW Parliament. |
| Agriculture in the Hawkesbury : an Important Discusion Forum |
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If you are interested in discussing the future of Agriculture and putting your point of view into the discussion please put aside the time to attend this important forum.As you know Agriculture is a key component of the Hawkesbury and if you enjoy the freshness of your food and wine this forum is a must for you to attend. Click on 'View Transcript' to view invitation. |
| Launch of the Food and Wine Project and the 5th Edition of the FGT Map |
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Hawkesbury Harvest launches Food and Wine Coordinator Project and the 5th Edition of the Farm Gate Trail.
Loxley on Bellbird Hill was the venue for a fantastic afternoon for the launch of these two very important projects. The strength of our partners has again proved that Hawkesbury Harvest is growing. Hawkesbury Harvest has partnered with Department of Transport and Regional Services, The Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board, NSW Department of State and Regional Development Lend Lease /GPT for the Food and Wine Project and Baulkham Hills Shire Council, Penrith City Council, and WestlinkM7 for future development of the Farm gate Trail. This event also strengthens the view that fresh local produce is being demanded by the consumer. |
| New Farm Gate Trail Members |
| Collectors Plant Fair are the Winners |
On Friday 3rd November Collectors' Plant Fair won a Special Achievement Award for Excellence in Tourism at the 2006 Hawkesbury Exellence in Business Awards. The judges' comments included "tapping a niche market" and "bringing 3000 visitors to the Hawkesbury from all over NSW and interstate". |
| Community Garden Launch |
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Dear Colleagues
You are cordially invited to attend the launch of Bidjiwong Community Nursery's new urban permaculture garden on Sunday 5 November from 12 noon to 12:30 followed by a light lunch and informal gathering of seedsavers, community gardeners and permaculturists, please bring a plate of food to share. This event is being held in conjunction with Baulkham Hills Shire Council's: BUSHLAND DAY 10am to 2pm Renown Road, Baulkham Hills Enter via Ted Horwood Reserve car park opposite Baulkham Hills Sports Club |
| Toque, Jazz and Scarecrows |
| Fruits of the Figure Exhibition |
Fruits of the Figure: an exhibition of drawings and paintings of the human figure by members of the Life Drawing Group, RichmondThe Life Drawing Group at Richmond are a group of artists that have been meeting at the woolshed at the UWS Richmond Campus for the last six years and this will be their fifth annual exhibition. There will be drawings and paintings on display using a variety of media, some works are on paper, most are mounted and framed. Most works will be for sale, and some artists will also have their drawing books on display. This group includes several award winning professional artists. Life drawing is drawing a living figure from life. Drawing the human figure is considered to be one of the most difficult subjects to master and is a classic part of an artist's training. The exhibition will be held on Saturday 4 November and Sunday 5 November between 10am and 4pm at the Stan Stevens Studio at the Deerubbin Cultural Centre, 300 George St, Windsor. All are welcome to our Opening Night on Saturday November 4, 6.30pm, to be opened by Prof. Graham Swain. For more information about this show call 4578 6015 or 4578 3991 / 0414 783 992. The Deerubbin Cultural Centre is also the home of the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery which is currently showing (until 26 Nov) the Windsor Group Exhibition (The Windsor Group were nine young Sydney artists who painted in the inner city as well as Emu Plains, Richmond and especially Windsor between 1935 and 1945) and the Lindsay Cartoon Award (named after Norman Lindsay, judges appointed by the Norman Lindsay Gallery). Enquiries for the Gallery 4560 4434. |
| Agriculture Today and Urban Agriculture |
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Pick up todays Agriculture Today.
Read an interesting story on the issues facing urban agriculture and how David Mason is racing across the world , 7 countries in 7 weeks to get a quick overview of how other countries are managing this important issue.. Also featrued in this articale is a story on Fresh Local tucker being served at Sassfras Creek. |
| New Farm Gate Trail Members |
| Tiny Japanese Delights |
| Soil Workshops |
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A series of workshops designed to help landowners improve their soil and the productivity of their property are being offered through the DPI Office, Hawkesbury.
District agronomist. Ashley Senn, said the program is called Landscan and sessions would be delivered by experienced NSW Agriculture officers through lecture, discussion and practical in paddock demonstrations. Book Early, Program kicks off on November 6th with more session to follow. For more information please contact Ashley Senn 02 45 88 2100 Source: Hawkesbury Gazette 18th October. |
| The Ethical Omnivore |
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Is there anything left that we can eat? With all the conflicting headlines, no wonder we can't decide what to buy. Everything, it seems, is ethically, nutritionally or environmentally incorrect. Is guilt ruining our appetites?
Choosing what to eat and drink has become hard work. It¹s not simply a case of taste or price. Now we have to ask ourselves: is this good for my health? Have animals suffered? Is it local? Organic? Bad for the planet? Harvested by child workers? Join John Newton (SMH Food Critic), Simon Marnie (ABC Radio Presenter), Samantha Wight (Master of Gastronomy), Alex Herbert (Restaurateur, Bird Fish Cow) and Catriona Macmillan (Publisher, The Organics Directory) as they discuss the truths, myths and realities of being an ethical omnivore. Thursday 26 October 2006 5.30 for 6.00pm Sydney Mechanics¹ School of Arts Level 1, 280 Pitt St, Sydney 2000 PS An omnivore is a kind of animal that eats either other animals or plants. Thats us. 02 9262 7300 info@sydneymsa.com.au |
| Congratulations: Hawkesbury Sightseeing Tours |
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Read this customer feedback all the way from Singapore. Well done Janice Hart.
++++++++++++++++++++ Janice, Once again, a big thank you to you for allowing us to so fully enjoy our day trip to Hawkesbury. Being totally city people, we have little chance of enjoying life in the country, and as Daniel (my hubby) quipped that day, the trip is educational too as it shows our toddler that oranges come from trees and not the supermarkets. The visit to the Berry Good farm is lovely - nice to understand about the workings of farming strawberries. We often buy strawberries back home but my son never showed any interest till that visit. He actually said, "I want to eat it (strawberry) now!" to our astonishment. We enjoyed ourselves tremendously at the Penrith Valley Oranges - it is such a novelty to be learn how to pluck the oranges off the trees. We had such great fun, and my kid was so happy! It's such a joy to watch his little face light up in joy as he pluck the oranges neatly off the trees - the person in charge who showed us around, Ivan, is extremely friendly and warm. He patiently showed us how oranges are harvested and plucked, and my son loved his demonstration using the machine to lift him up to pluck the oranges from the high branches. Considering he is a mere 2.5 year old and already, we believe he reaped loads from this experience, I believe an older child will gain more from this experience. It is fun even for us adults, as it is. I was naturally excited, having always wanted to experience fruit picking - my first attempt this time round leaves me thinking what other fruit orchards we could tour in future - and even my mother in law (in her late 50s) had so much fun! It is indeed a beautiful and memorable tour for us all, despite the generation differences. Thanks for the very lovely day and we know who to look for in future when we return to visit Sydney again! Warmest Regards Hazel |
| Slow Down!!....Stop!! &..Smell the aroma of Delicious Food!!! |
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Slow Down!!........Stop!! &..Smell the aroma of Delicious Food!!!
Global Food Relief invites you with your family & friends to cook up a storm for a good cause @ Hawkesbury Earth Care Centre 10 am - 1 pm , this Saturday 14th Oct '06 by being part of an exciting new fun called Community Cooking (Cooking in group with some help & guidance from an expert cook followed by sharing & enjoying what you cooked) What can you expect on the day? · A sumptuous feast of delicious 6-course gourmet meal consisting of 2 delicious curries, indian bread (rotis), lentil soup, rice & dessert · Lots of fun · Socialising with interesting people · Aroma that is bound to tickle your senses & ignite your appettite What do you need to bring along? · A chopping board & a knife · Set of plate, cup& spoon to save the environment from plastic & paper. · Donation of $25 (adult); $15 (student); $10 (kid); $50 (family of 2 adults and 2 kids) that will go towards a community program being announced by Global Food Relief in the Greater Western Sydney. · Good appetite · Spirit of Sharing & Fun Hope to see you there.... RSVP to B.Devi@uws.edu.au |
| Diana Lee Gobbitt: Exhibtion |
| Elsewhere Exhibition |
| Art and Art and Art |
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Macquarie Towns Arts Society will be having another 3rd Sunday of the month Art Upstairs Show of paintings & craftwork for sale upstairs in the Royal Exchange Hotel in Windsor, on Sunday 22nd October,06, 10am-3pm.
Beautiful landscapes & other paintings at very reasonable prices will be on display as well as unique craft items suitable for Xmas presents, created with loving hands by local craftspeople. Vivienne Pearson's delightful hand made soft toys are a feature as well as work by award winning Porcelain Artist, Colleen Hudson. Cards & Pottery for sale too. Malcolm Robertson will once again be drawing his exquisite quick portrait sketches for $5. Great presents for grandparents! or for the family gallery - a change from photos. The Regional Gallery will be open so visitors could have a wonderful Windsor Art experience, by travelling from one to the next either by foot or car. PS The Windsor markets are also on. |
| Flavours of the Hawkesbury |
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Flavours of the Hawkesbury, at Sassafras Creek in Kurrajong Village. The idea behind it is to create a menu from as many foods as possible grown locally in the Hawkesbury region. Hawkesbury Harvest is working with Natalie to ensure this will be a success. The menu includes duck from Pepe?s farms at Freemans Reach, guinea fowl from the Game Farm at Bilpin, olives and wines from Tizzana Winery at Ebenezer, artichokes from Matthew?s farm at Maroota, other vegetable from the Hawkesbury Vegetable Farm at Wilberforce, Willowbrae Chevre goats cheese from Wilberforce, Sunshine Swiss brown mushrooms from Freemans Reach, herbs and salad mixes from Darling Mills Farm in the Hills District, free range duck eggs from Grose Vale, Kurrajong Native Foods, apple cider from Bilpin, strawberries from Enniskillen Orchard in Grose Vale, smoked meats from Value Valley Meats at Nth Richmond, and Hawkesbury River prawns. Book Early. 0245730988
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| Hawkesbury Community Expo |
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23rd September
University of Western Sydney. Hawkesbury Campus 10am ? 4pm Things to Do · Courses Information UWS Hawkesbury and Richmond College of TAFE · UWS Open facilities: o Cafeteria (L2) o Library (G1) o Campus Archives (R1) o Crime Scene House (P18) o Student Residences Quad (R4) · Guided Campus Tours of Historic Buildings and Gardens ? Depart Grandstand 12 noon and 1pm · Community Arts Workshop o Sculpture and Pottery Workshops · Environmental Stalls and Information · Hawkesbury Harvest Stalls · Howard Antique Machinery display · Models, Hobbies, Art and Craft FOR THE KIDS: · Baby Animal Farm · Australian Wildlife Show · Meet Wilbur the Pig · Envirocraft Facemasks Workshops Fairy Floss, Popcorn NSW Pony Club ? Mounted Games Demonstration Norwest Thunderdogs ? Flyball - Hawkesbury Agility Dogs NSW Pony Club Mounted Games Demonstration RAAF Guard Dogs Demonstration Norwest Thunderdogs - Flyball NSW Pony Club Mounted Games Demonstration Hawkesbury Agility Dogs RAAF Guard Dogs Demonstration Norwest Thunderdogs - Flyball NSW Pony Club Mounted Games Demonstration Music |
| Art Program for Kids |
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Macquarie Towns Arts Society will be running their Art & Craft Workshops in the October School Holidays, after the long weekend. These popular children's activities will once again be held in the Civic Arcade, Richmond, in Room 5, one of the Hawkesbury Community College class rooms.
From 3rd-13th Oct.06, the 2hr Workshops run from 10am-12noon & 1-3pm each day at $12 per session with all equipment supplied. These holidays the Program includes Pottery, Card Making, Mobiles, Treasure Boxes, Painting, Watercolours, Cartooning, Mask Making, Dream Catchers, 2 types of Jewellery - Beading & Advanced, Drawing, and a fun new subject -Papier Mache Sculpture. These workshops are all fun and creative. Kids can learn new skills from some of the Hawkesbury's talented Artists & Crafts People. Bookings are essential as places are limited. Term 4 After School Art Classes are also enroling. For more information & to book - Ph. Deidre 0245 783446 |
| Live Jazz returns to Toque Restarurant |
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Aussie Legends in jazz, Saxophonist, Richard Booth, together with Pianist Col Nolan; who have performed with jazz legend greats Dizzy Gillespie, The Doobie Brothers, Keith Urban, Jimmy Barnes, The Daley Wilson Big Band, Galapagos Duck & The Foreday Ryders, to name only a few, will play for your pleasure at Toque every Sunday commencing 24 September 2006 between approximately 12.30 ? 2.30pm.
A small surcharge will apply on the day. For further details and bookings please telephone the restaurant on 45 73 2724. Lunch bookings for this regular event will be essential. *Conditions apply not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or offer |
| Flavours of The Hawkesbury |
| Local Jazz celebrity launches Jazz CD |
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Pete McDonald is one of the Hawkesburys long standing jazz players and a very talented jazz pianist.
He's launching his self titled debut CD at the Richmond Club (Bensons) on Wed 20th September The nice thing about this CD is all of the music is composed by Pete and all but one of the band are jazz club members and residents of the Hawkesbury/Penrith area.. It just means that not only does the Hawkesbury have great produce, gardens, restaurants, wineries and galleries.. there's also a wealth of artistic talent out this way - The drummer on the CD is a 20 year old girl from Pitt Town - Ali Foster - she really swings and her talent got her into the Sydney Conservatorium as the Con's first female drum student - no mean achievement, as there's only about four places available.. she must have impressed at audition! |
| Sugarcane Growers can help! |
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Do you know any Sugar Cane Growers. SAAB need some to promote the alternative fuel ethanol.
We are calling out to growers in NSW for assistance in helping contribute to this display. We therefore require 40-60 sugarcanes at a length of 6ft each. So long as the cane is cut, we can organise to have these collected from wherever is necessary in late October. Please contact George Paradisis of Saab Australia on 03 9916 5034 or at george.paradisis@gm.com |
| Toque's New Spring Menu |
| Table of ATE |
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One of Hawkesbury Harvest's newest members Urban Graze runs a cooking schools at Kellyville. Last Saturdat after the Markets they ran a special session with thier budding chefs. Read on:
A class that is inspired by the produce available at the Hawkesbury Harvest Grower?s Market held in Castle Hill. This monthly class is a study in spontaneity as the students are unaware of what they will be preparing until that very evening. This past Saturday?s class revealed beautiful food that was simple to prepare and very seasonal. We began the class with a showing of the bounty that was purchased that morning and discussed different preparation methods. The class decided to create four courses. |
| New Market, New Opportunity |
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Hawkesbury Harvest would like to introduce this opportunity to you if your grow or value add produce grown in and around Sydney.
The invitation below is from John Newton, President of the Sydney Farming Network. If you wish to participate, please read the below and if you know a producer in the Sydney Region let them know of this opportunity. I have attached the application form. If you do not know anyone you grows just put the 13th October in your Diary and go and consume, Sydney?s own grown produce. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dear Sydney farmer - with this letter please find your application form for a stall at the Sydney Farmers Market which will begin at the Entertainment Quarter (EQ) Farmers Produce Market site on Friday 13th October and run every Friday until Friday 20th April 2007 (The site of the Markets is a the old Fox Studios, now known as the EQ) |
| Carolyn Clarke Exhibition: Your Invited |
Sassafras Creek is hosting a new exhibition by Carolyn Clarke as part of the Artburst Festival.I hope you can join us for wine and canapes at the Preview 7pm Thursday 14th or the Opening on 3-5pm Saturday 16th September. Join us at 83 Old Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Village. Regards Natalie |
| Artisans taking their Passion to the Next Level |