The urban farming movement is picking up S.T.E.A.M. Since 2019 supply chain disruptions have left supermarket customers reeling and pantry shelves bare. Interruptions have come to us in the form of the Black Summer bushfires, COVID-19 pandemic response and most recently the East Coast Floods. “What is often forgotten,” says Christopher Fullon, founder of Australian Urban Growers (AUG), “is that at a base level, risk to the food supply chain is amplified by the distance which food must travel to reach you at home.” AUG has been working to address these risks with Kelvin Grove State College (KGSC), through the creation of Barrambin Farm, an urban and vertical farming training facility established on disused land at the college campus. “Barrambin Farm will bring together students with diverse interests, to learn about the multidisciplinary and collaborative skills required across the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths (S.T.E.A.M.) to meet the food needs of future cities.” From May 2022 students from the KGSC gardening club will participate in activities, growing over 2000 plants from seed right through to harvest in this first of its kind nursery system. Teachers of science, geography, food technology, mathematics have expressed interest in developing classroom learning opportunities that work with the system, and AUG is poised to support engagement in practical, vocational, and academic learning pathways. The bonus: KGSC can use the food grown at the school and share it with local community; closing the loop. With population growth, cities have sprawled, and more intensive farms have been established further away. “Urban farming can help return food growth to within the city limits, reducing the strain on resources like energy, fuel, water, and land, while also reducing the risk of stretched supply chains. It’s important to provide students with opportunities to learn about farming, food, and sustainability; these are our future farmers, and our future leaders.” Barrambin Farm was formally opened at KGSC on Friday
The vertical plant-pods prior to planting
29 April 2022, celebrated with due respect to our traditional custodians, and with guests from across industry and government including The Honourable Grace Grace (QLD State Minister for Education) and The Honourable Trevor Evans (Federal Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management) who will be in attendance. “Australian Urban Growers looks forward to the continuing support of our community, government and elected leaders as we strive to embed sustainable food futures within our cities”. Contact us Ph: 0432 967 829 walkingfootballbrisbane.com.au info@walkingfootballbrisbane.com.au
West Brisbane Orchid Society Show 18 & 19 June
Following post-Covid resumption of meetings, the West Brisbane Orchid Society is planning a Show, to be held at the Auditorium, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, on 18 and 19 June. The Show promises a colourful display of native and exotic orchid species and hybrids, plus plant sales. Pots and fertilisers, and cultivation advice. Admission: Adults $4.00, children under 16 free. The Society meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at The Gap Baptist Church, 1125 Waterworks Rd., The Gap. Visitors and New Members welcome.” I have also attached a flyer with details of the Show. For further information please contact Ian at 0418 873 725. website: http://www.westernecho.com.au
The Western Echo May 2022 Page 27
