The Wollongong area has been shaping itself into a certified green city, for members of the public who follow a vegan lifestyle and enjoy eating organic, chemical free produce.
Fruit and vegetable markets such as: ‘Foragers’ market in Bulli, and ‘Milkwood’ crop and swap community garden in Kiama, have contributed to Wollongong’s growing participation in the production and distribution of home grown and organic goods, which are safe and healthy to eat.
Image sourced from: FULLER, B. (2014) Thousands attend first Foragers markets at Bulli.
Foragers market opened to the public two years ago and since then, their aim has been to promote those who are passionate about the food they grow and/or products they make. “Forager’s growers and producers provide in season fruit and vegetables. Produce that is: organic where possible, has low chemical inputs. Our producers will sell products that are fair trade linked and part of the slow food movement, meat that is pasture raised, free range eggs, fresh roasted coffee, vegan products, organic bread, condiments, honey, gourmet treats, olive oil, herbs, flowers, artisan cheeses and so much more” (Foragers website, 2014)
Foragers markets is not limited to just food sources. On the second Sunday of every month, it broadens its variety with home wares, classic and retro vintage goods, clothing stalls and artisans.
To visit Foragers markets, it is an easy 10-minute drive from Wollongong CBD to the vibrant and coastal community of Bulli. It is held every Sunday from 9am to 2pm at the Bulli Showground. However they also bring some of their stalls to Wollongong mall, every Friday from 9am to 3pm.
Image sourced from: Bradley, K. (2014) The weekday farmers market as community Activator - Milkwood: Permaculture courses, skills + stories.
Milkwood also promotes the ‘green’ lifestyle through their products and services. It is a designed space where members of the community can get together and share their backyard harvest with each other, or gain new ideas for what to grow next. It takes place in the Kiama Community Garden’s, which is adjacent to the Blue Haven Village. The Milkwood team consists of farmers, market gardeners, permaculture teachers and beekeeper’s, who also provide world class training and courses to the public on site. Some of these courses include: natural bee-keeping skills, gourmet mushroom cultivation and bio intensive growing.
These are just two of a wide variety of introductions, which Wollongong has recently brought to the green-community. Another step forward is the welcoming of a new “pop-up office”, opening soon in the lower end of Wollongong mall this coming Sunday, the 16th . This has been an innovative move by, Cath Blakey who is part of ‘The Greens’, and told the Illawarra Mercury that "Anyone from the community is welcome to wander in and ask questions or share their ideas about politics” (Humphries, 2016).
Sources:
HUMPHRIES, G. (2016) Greens open up shop in the city. Available at: http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/4227810/greens-open-up-shop-in-the-city/?cs=12 (Accessed: 14 October 2016).
Foragers (2014) FORAGERS - fresh, local, handmade. Available at: http://www.foragersmarkets.com/ (Accessed: 14 October 2016).
