Green Fest going for gold

BALLARAT Action Climate Coop and Food is Free’s Green Fest has been named a finalist in the Premier’s Sustainability Awards 2022.

Up for gold in the Healthy and Fair Society category, the community event was held at the Food is Free Green Space and led by young people.

The event brought together people for gardening workshops, a clothes and book-swap, scarecrow-making, live performances, and a peruse of grassroots groups’ stalls.

BACC member Marco Pasakos said organisers feel flattered to be nominated.

“We are grateful that we are able to be recognised alongside other brilliant and innovative programs in the award,” he said.

“It is a brilliant opportunity for us to be acknowledged for the hard work put into Green Fest. Green Fest was a unique event as it didn’t just bring part of the Ballarat community together, but the whole of it.

“The event was designed to bring together people across ages and facets of our community to learn about vital, sustainable practices in an exciting way.

“Furthermore, we provided book and clothes swaps, as well as a scarecrow workshop utilising recycled materials free of charge, allowing people to have fun and get new things sustainably, regardless of age.”

Food is Free secretary Katja Fiedler said the board is proud to have produced the event alongside the young people of BACC, and is ready to celebrate at the ceremony alongside their fellow finalists in September.

“It is fantastic to have the vision, community effort and spirit that made Green Fest possible recognised by these prestigious awards that have their 20th anniversary this year,” she said.

“The attendance of over 200 community members at Green Fest including many young people was very heartening, showing us there is strong support in the community for grassroot events and programs that promote a fairer and healthier society.

“At Food is Free, we get to witness first-hand that more and more people want to play their part when it comes to green volunteering, sustainable living and finding creative ways to reduce waste, with young people right at the forefront.”