Something Positive

What is Go Local Ballarat? smartlivingballarat.org.au/golocal/

Go Local Ballarat is about creating a more resilient community, in the face of significant challenges we face today – economic uncertainty, fragmentation of community, high rates of chronic diseases, health inequalities, climate change and other environmental issues.

The goal is to build on existing programs and create a Ballarat and surrounds that has a strong local focus, strong community connections, a strong economy and healthy people and environment.

This initiative is based on the Transition Towns concept.

Local Food Week provides an opportunity for organisations and individuals to get involved in this exciting initiative in whatever capacity they are able and is about having a conversation with interested people and groups in the community around the question:

How will Ballarat feed itself in 2020?

Local Food is a great example of building a stronger, healthier Ballarat. There are many health benefits of eating less processed, energy dense foods and more, fresh, locally grown food like fruit and vegetables.

Calendar of Events – below and at smartlivingballarat.org.au/golocal/

Contact the Smart Living Ballarat Centre on 4309 0030 for more information on any of these events:

SATURDAY 14TH APRIL

BALLARAT PRODUCE SWAP
Saturday April 14th from 9.30am at Smart Living Ballarat,14 Lydiard Street North.
A chance to swap your excess seasonal produce, preserves, seed and seedlings and meet other Ballarat backyard producers. Excess produce will be also available for sale by donation from 10.30am.

SUNDAY 15TH APRIL

PRESERVING SEASONAL PRODUCE

Sunday April 15th at 1pm meeting at the Ballarat Community Garden. Learn some of the basic of preserving including the Fowlers preserving system, basic relish and jam making and drying techniques, and share your knowledge with the workshop group. This is a FREE workshop but registration is required by emailing jane@breaze.org.au.

MONDAY 16TH APRIL

INTRODUCTION TO CHEESE MAKING WORKSHOP
Monday evening 16th of April. Join Cheesemaker Nardia from Goldfields Farmhouse for an introduction to the basics of cheesmaking.
For more details and to register for this workshop email jane@breaze.org.au

TUESDAY 17TH APRIL

LYDIARD WINE BAR LOCAL PRODUCE DINNER

Commencing at 7pm. As part of Local Food Week Lydiard Wine Bar will be hosting the first of many dinners utilising fruit and vegetables direct from gardens across the region. The dining experience will not only promote eating fresh, local ingredients but also greatly benefit the environment and endeavour to strengthen community relationships and connections.

Local chef and garden enthusiast Andrew Beyerle will join head chef Damien Jones in the kitchen to prepare the local produce dinner for guests to enjoy. Come along to sample and appreciate local fruit and vegetables direct from backyard veggie patches- a local feast for all food lovers to relish!

$50.00 per guest includes 2 shared entrees, a main with two sides and a delightful dessert. Bookings can be made on 5327 2787 or enquiries@lydiardwinebar.com.au

ESPALIERING FRUIT TREES WORKSHOP

Historical overview and explanatory talk on the theory and practice of espaliering. We won’t be espaliering  but this talk will help you work out what you might like to do. With the right planning you can set up frameworks and be ready for planting your bare-rooted trees in winter.
At Smart Living Ballarat, 14 Lydiard St Nth  7 – 9 PM

WEDNESDAY 18TH APRIL

WHAT IS PERMACULTURE?

A free discussion open to anyone wanting to learn a little about permaculture:

• What does the term ‘permaculture’ mean and where did it come from?
• Is permaculture just another form of organic gardening? (Clue:answer is No!)
• What are the permaculture ethics and design principles?
• Why do people think permaculture is such a cool thing?
• How can I learn more – which books are best for beginners? – are there some good websites with basic permaculture information?

At Smart Living Ballarat, 14 Lydiard St Nth  7 – 9 PM

THURSDAY 19TH APRIL

MOVIE : QUEEN OF THE SUN

What Are the Bees Telling Us? This movie takes us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and the mysterious world of the beehive, this alarming and ultimately uplifting film weaves together a dramatic story of the heart-felt struggles of beekeepers, scientists and philosophers around the world. The film explores the long-term causes that have led to one of our most urgent global food crises, illuminating the deep link between humans and bees. The story unveils 10,000 years of beekeeping, highlighting how that historic and sacred relationship has been lost. Inspiring and entertaining, QUEEN OF THE SUN uncovers the problems and solutions in renewing a culture in balance with nature.
Movie screening at Portico Café, 31 Sturt St.  At 7PM
Tickets $10/$8 available at the door
Come early, enjoy the fantastic showcase of local foods on the menu

 FRIDAY 20TH APRIL

SMART LIVING BALLARAT “GRAND OPENING”
Join us in the celebrations; including local food tastings and Speed Date a Sustainable Living Expert!
Venue: Smart Living Ballarat Centre, 14 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
Date and time: Friday 20^th April 2012 at 10.00am – 12.30am

RSVP: Jacinta Walker at jacinta@breaze.org.au by 13th of April 2012 or phone (03) 5329 1730.
Official opening ceremony at 10.30am.
Smart Living Ballarat is a one-stop shop for people seeking information on sustainable living practices around the Home, Environment, Water, Transport and Food.

SATURDAY 21ST APRIL

OPEN SPACE FORUM – ‘HOW WILL BALLARAT FEED ITSELF IN 2020?’

The final event of the week. A communal brainstorming session that will wrap up the findings and ideas of the various events.
At Eastwood Leisure Complex, 18 Eastwood Street, Ballarat 10am – 4pm
Open to all – No cost – BYO lunch/snacks