Grant powering Green Fest

FOOD is Free is set to support the youth-led Ballarat Action Climate Co-op to run their own series of large-scale community events from early 2022 called Green Fest.

The organisation recently received a Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grant worth just under $10,000 to do so.

Secretary Katja Fiedler manages Food is Free’s youth portfolio and said the board is excited to empower BACC’s 20 student members as they drive a Fest they’ve envisioned and designed themselves.

“Green Fest will bring a large crowd in the community; all ages, all abilities, backgrounds and interests together for a day, at least, to come together and celebrate a common passion of enhancing environmental sustainability, healthy lifestyles, eating, and self-sufficiency,” Ms Fiedler said.

“There will also be fun and free market stalls, a clothes and book swap, creative upcycling workshops, the promotion of volunteer opportunities, and performances from emerging artists.

“As well as funding, Food is Free is providing the support, advice, the spaces, the networks, community connections and volunteer support to make Green Fest happen.”

A number of workshops will run every three months after the initial event, exploring topics like gardening in small spaces, and beeswax wraps, before an open-air film screening in December concludes the year of festivities.

As BACC was founded two years ago and isn’t incorporated, Food is Free partnered with them on the grant application as an auspice.

BACC works to promote climate justice, in alignment with the School Strike for Climate movement, and unites with other grassroots sustainability groups to educate and activate the community, have a voice, and create positive change.

Community-led not-for-profit Food Is Free was established seven years ago with the aim of addressing food waste, assisting people with food security, and providing environmental education.

The organisation’s Ripon Street Green Space, where the Green Fest will be held, is a purpose-built outdoor learning area with 30 garden beds.