Showcasing sustainability

By Matt Romania

The upcoming Sustainability Fair in Darley is gearing up to be a community extravaganza with an exciting array of family-friendly activities, expert speakers, and environmentally conscious programs.

Supported by Community Bank Bacchus Marsh and to be held on Saturday 9 September from 11am to 2pm, the fair offers a chance for locals to connect, learn about sustainability, and have fun with a unique blend of music and food.

Dedicated volunteers Jill and Susan from the Darley Community Art Garden told the Moorabool News, for them at the gardens, sustainability is about using what’s available rather than buying.

“We want to let the community know what organisations that are around locally, offer sustainable solutions,” she said.

Focused on raising awareness of local initiatives and groups, the fair will bring together a diverse range of sustainability-minded organisations, including the Platypus Alliance, Landcare, Rotary, Lions Club, and Moorabool Environmental Group, among others.

“It’s not just about the gardens bringing the community together. We are focused on uncovering and showcasing local services to help people live more sustainably. Sustainable living is important to us, and we think a lot of people in our community think it is too,” Jill said.

Among the free community presentations, Sustainability Fair attendees can learn about beekeeping, worm farms, composting from Moorabool Council, backyard chickens, and fruit tree pruning from local legend Jeff Jones.

“It’s about awareness of what options are available locally and then what to do, because many people want to be more sustainable but don’t know how,” said Susan.

For the youngest sustainability warriors, the fair is hosting a range of family-friendly activities such as face painting, garden scavenger hunts, biscuit making, and new to this year, a ‘toy swap’ table.

There’s still time to get involved too.

“If anyone in Moorabool has something sustainable to share, we’d love them to contact us,” Susan said.

The fair is packed with opportunities to engage, connect, and celebrate a sustainable future. There will be live music, freshly brewed coffee, sizzling BBQ, focaccia baked in the garden’s very own wood-fire oven, and popcorn.

With a strong focus on local and environmentally friendly practices, the Sustainability Fair next month is set to provide a valuable and enjoyable day for those interested in living a bit more sustainably.

Whether you’re looking to learn something new, enjoy family activities, or simply support local causes, the fair has something for everyone.

For more information or to get involved, visit darleycommunityartgarden.org or contact [email protected].

The Darley Community Garden is located at 37 Holts Lane, Darley.