Food Is Free green space launch 25 Feb 2018

The future of food security for all Ballarat citizens came one step closer on Sunday 25th March 2018 when we held our official launch of Food Is Free Green Space at Western Oval Ballarat.
 
The weather was perfect as over 250 people attendees soaked up the fun atmosphere of kids activities in the Kids Zone, live music served up by local musicians Freya Josephine Hollick, Earl Leonard, Ballarat Health Services choir The Mumbles as well as speeches and morning tea.
 
We were very lucky indeed to have our dear friend and special guest ABC TV’s gardening guru & Dirtgirl’s much loved garden gnome Costa Georgiadis be part of the fun. Delivering a captivating speech on sustainability and what value we place on things in our society, he echoed all of our grassroots food security and environmental sentiments. He even had time to host a very special worm farm building demonstration in our Worm Bath Tub.
 
But the true highlight of the morning was Deanne & Tammy Gilson, proud Wadawurrung women, who delivered a very powerful Smoking Ceremony ensuring acknowledgment of the Traditional Owners of the land in which the new space sits. We cannot thank them enough for this, and for ensuring our space is cleansed.
 
Food Is Free Green Space  is at Western Oval (corner of Ripon St Sth & Urquhart St Ballarat) and will be a place where at-risk and marginalized community groups can grow food en masse either for themselves or to be placed at the nearby Food Is Free Laneway for others to share. This newly established green hub will provide a space to strengthen community cohesion, and will be a new open green space in the city for all to enjoy. In time Food Is Free Inc. will host workshops at the site to enable self-sufficiency via gardening. Stay tuned for upcoming details.
 
Coinciding with National Neighbourhood Day, the launch was such a fun family friendly day out for the whole community, which we will never forget. So many smiles and lovely conversations. A community coming together of old friends and new friends alike. Thank you to all involved in the lead up (especially our much loved, hard working volunteers) and on the day.