FARM YARNS Spring 2011
We would like to acknowledge generous support from the following organisations:
The Collingwood Children’s Farm are proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri of the Kulin Federation as the traditional owners of the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands, the land we respect, care for and farm on behalf of all Victorians. The Farm thanks all Wurundjeri Elders past and present, for their guardianship of these lands.
Farm Patron - Mrs Elizabeth Chernov, Government House 2011 COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT Cheryl Cameron (Treas.)
Mikyla Hart
Netta McArthur (Pres.)
Helen Semmler (Sec.)
Lachlan Fitch
Pip Hay
Lily O’Neill
Greg Sparks (V.Pres.)
Anne Haliwell
Agi Luczak
Jane Robinson
Cr Amanda Stone
Alex Walker Farm Yarns is a quarterly publication from the Collingwood Children’s Farm (CCF). The CCF, a not-for-profit, educational small-holding city farm was established in 1979 as a “country experience for city folk”. The Farm is sited on the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands, the oldest continually farmed land in Victoria (since 1838). The CCF is guided by a Committee of Management, elected annually. Cover photo - 2011 English Leicester Lambs (image by Leonie Greiner)
3
Farm Manager Managers Report As we venture into Spring the Farm looks great, but like all farmers we are still on the lookout for more rain to keep all our tanks filled to the top and keep water up to our paddocks to foster Spring growth. As Spring brings new babies to the Farm it is a great time to visit. Lambing season has begun and we have young lambs as Spring heel jacks at the farm. There are also piglets to see, and baby goats. We have piglets that will soon be moving on to a bigger farm where they will be able to roam the paddocks a bit more freely.
Alex Walker We have a great working partnership with Bunning’s Hawthorn and they now set up their Statewide Day at the Farm for their staff to try out all types of power and gardening tools. This day also allows us to have a go and see what we might need! Throughout Winter we had great support from our local community for our Winter Solstice Bonfire and NAIDOC Day celebrations. We must thank the City of Yarra for their support to both these events and the Victorian Aboriginal Housing Board for their support and great work on NAIDOC Day. The start of Spring also sees lots of our members starting work in earnest in their veggie gardens - remember you can buy the best compost, worm castings and mulch at the Farm; all produced onsite. These items are available during the week and also on market days.
Above: Look at meeeeeeeeeeeee! Below, right: No, look at us!
Our staff and all our volunteers are as always working on projects to improve the Farm. Check out the extra paddocks we now have behind the new workshop and in the back of the pigyards. Look at the new fencing and entry gate to our Community Gardens area, this work has all been completed by our Community Correction Groups, Heatherwood School and a group of community volunteers, all working with Nick. Sophia Mundi Steiner School Year 9 students have also been helping around the Farm working on the pigyards.
On Wednesday 17th August we officially celebrated the fantastic work completed on the Farm by the Farmforce workers over a 12-month period. The programme was an unqualified success - you can see the many improvements that will enhance our visitor’s experience (and make life easier for the staff). A big thanks goes to Taskforce for their excellent working ethos and support throughout the programme. This Spring is a Farm Membership Drive, so make sure you are update with us. And invite a friend to join!
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
4
Animal News
Bridget Bainbridge
Horses Holiday The horses have gone on their annual break, and they have sent us a postcard!
Hi guys We are having a !!! re he l al e er w u yo Wish as Hills- there m ist hr C in re he ay lid lovely ho the grass is good. d an er ov cl h uc m so is en great and we be s ha er th ea w e th ly All the kids Late f of gs ru r ou ith ght w ngwood Children’s Farm lli Co have even spent the ni land!! So far we have PO Box 80 - its like being in Thai ves in our fuavorite el rs ou g in lg du in BOTSFORD VIC 3067 B en A be all together like nd ou ar g in nn ru es activiti in the sun on t ou at fl g in ep sle , gs crazy thin hing each othtc ra sc , dy an Br ith w d fall in love the grass, watching Te the dam. Its great! in g in ay pl d an y, ha g eatin ers backs, eating grass, , the horses See you all soon! Love Pigs are-a-pigging We have new girls - lots of piglets big and small. We have kept two new sows, Annabelle and Maybelle, to be our new sows of the future, and are currently on the hunt for a new boar. Our pig yards are getting a huge makeover too by the local Sophia Mundi Steiner School students- as part of their work experience they are building fences and planting yards with delicious piggy treats. They are proving themselves to be a committed and hard working group of young people who are able to rise to unexpected challenges.
Sheep are-a-lambing We have quite a few on the ground already, including two big strong Shropshire ewe twins, a great asset to our future breeding flock. Three generations of volunteers Our longest serving volunteer, Anne Stevens is the proud new grandmother of Ruby Rose. Ruby’s mother, Amanda, was a Young Farmer herself, and has been recently helping with the pony rides on Family day. This makes Ruby a third generation farm kid, (there’s only a few of them around...) Congratulations to Amanda and Anne, and welcome to Ruby.
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
5
1 4
2 5 PHOTOS
3
1 Mabeline the Muscovy Duck posing 2 Amazing pumpkin lantern for the 2011 Winter Bonfire 3 Anne, Amanda and Ruby Stevens - three generations of farm volunteers! 4 Babaganoush, one of our 2011 goat kids 5 Celebrating the Farm, Taskforce and Farmforce
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
6
Garden Tidings PLANT NEWS SPRING 2011 Now is a great time in the garden. Everything is ready to bloom into the brilliance of new growth, the soil is alive, the rain has come, and it’s time to get busy. Feed you Winter flowering Annuals, Perennials, roses and fruit trees with compost or worm castings. Plant citrus, Summer flowers and vegies – potatoes, onions, lettuce, parsley, rnips, peas and snow peas.
Prepare beds for Spring planting of Summer crops - asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, corn, basil, tomatoes, eggplant, capsicum and cucumber, that can be planted or grow as protected seedlings in containers until the weather is suitable for planting (but if at all exposed to frost, wait!). Plants are the same as us, stronger if they can put energy into growing rather than surviving.
Toni Phillips Also, wait until the plants are large enough to survive if half eaten by pests. Cover with a cut-off juice or soft drink bottle, or make a little fence out of 2L milk containers with both ends cut off, to offer some protection from slugs and snails; and provide insulation for the seedlings as they grow. Beetroot, coriander, carrot, lettuce/salad greens, parsnip, radish, and all those with
large seeds (beans, corn, cucumber, squash, marrow, melon, pea, pumpkin, sweet-corn and zucchini) are best planted straight into the ground. Don’t mulch where seeds have been sown, as cultivated bare soil will warm up much quicker than soil that is dense or covered with mulch. Mulch is great to reduce
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
7
evaporation when it the weather is hot, and to prevent weeds especially around trees, and protect frost-sensitive plants at night.
Goose Grass. It is very rich in minerals and silica, good for the coat in animals and the shells of eggs.
Watch for slugs and snails - so many now! Remove dead wood to minimise Harlequin Bugs, look for borer, and put Bordeaux Paste on holes in live trees, plus remove and destroy dead trees and shrubs. Also beware of Aphids - they just love this time of year. Weeding allows all light, water and nutrients to be directed to your desired plants and can reduce pest infestations and destroy dead trees and shrubs.
For humans it used mainly as a herbal medicine chiefly for lymphatic and skin conditions. It is edible (but not very tasty) used as a pot herb and to strain milk in Sweden.
WILDFOOD - ALL US ANIMALS ARE CRAZY FOR CLEAVERS (Galium aparine) All animals will eat this plant - goats, horses, pigs, sheep; but poultry will actively search for it. A common name for it is
Cleaver Seed is said to be one of the best coffee substitutes, it merely needs to be dried and lightly roasted and has much the same flavor as coffee. We will have to try this and find out if it is true! It is also said to be a slimming aid if eaten, again this is untried by the farm members. Also used as a hair tonic, it is said to be good for the hair, making it grow long. Page opposite: Lovely Spring growth in the Early Orchard Below: Greedy geese guzzling Goosegrass!
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
8
1
2
4
3
5 PHOTOS 1 Helmet the Muscovy Duck balancing for fun 2 Faverolle hen up close 3 Heather the Ayrshire, the Farm’s current milking cow 4 One of our new Berkshire piglets 5 Another new arrival, one of our Black Muscovy Ducks - checking out the lens Photos courtesy Leonie Greiner
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
9
From the horses mouth
C.O.M.
Dear Farm members and supporters Spring has sprung, the first flowers and buds are appearing, the sheep are lambing, we have a few goats with kids and every creature great and small is coming out of winter hibernation The Farm’s Committee of Management (COM) have not been hibernating during the Winter. Much work has been done on planning, verifying our tax status with the ATO and reviewing the constitution and financial reporting systems - and most importantly campaigning to save St Mary's Paddock from the builders!
The COM are also delighted to announce that Mrs Elizabeth Chernov, the wife of Governor Chernov has agreed to become the Farm’s Patron. This has an important historical precedent, as Governor La Trobe in the early 1840’s reserved the surrounding area as the original site for Government House. Regards The Farm Committee of Management
This was achieved and Heritage Victoria declared the paddock as a rural significant piece of land to be maintained as an open space. The COM thanks everyone - the public, staff, CARA, the National Trust and the City of Yarra for their support, all of which made our appeal a success. If you have been visiting the farm lately you will have noticed all our new building works, especially the Guinea Pig Hilton! This completes our 5-year building master plan. These major works were built through a project in partnership with the government department of DEEWR Jobs Fund, the TaskForce Community Agency (Farmforce) and the Collingwood Farm. A lasting legacy for the farm. The next project? Well, in the near future we would like to fully restore our two heritage farmhouse buildings. That’s another challenge for the COM. The COM are also delighted to announce that Mrs Elizabeth Chernov, the wife of Governor Chernov has agreed to become the Farm’s Patron. This has an important historical precedent, as Governor La Trobe
Above: Zac the Waler, one or our real horses’ mouths!
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
Photo courtesy Leonie Greiner
10
Farm Discovery - Your Story A new series begins It’s always exciting to launch a new part of Farm Yarns. For our Spring edition we are proud to present the first of our articles recounting some of our visitor’s experiences on discovering the Farm for the first time, or visiting us on a regular basis. Our first submission is by well-known Tasmanian historian and author, James Boyce. James has recently published “1835 - The founding of Melbourne & the conquest of Australia”. As farmers caring for the oldest farmland in Victoria (since 1838), James’ book offers us a fascinating insight into the founding of Melbourne and the agricultural activity that created the impetus for settling what would eventually become the State of Victoria. It’s a great read, available in most good bookstores.
It was a Sunday afternoon in late February 1986. I had been living in Melbourne only a few days, having moved from WA to study social work. Lost and lonely on my first weekend, I set off on an aimless wander. I don’t remember my route but I do recall how the city - so unfamiliar for a young man who had never lived anywhere either so big or so grey – seemed to become increasingly desolate. The factories and warehouses left empty by 1980s economic reform were yet to be transformed by gentrification, and Melbourne still embraced its traditional Sunday shut-down. Without money for lunch or tram, my heart and feet became heavy. With no idea where I was or where I was heading, I felt increasingly hopeless about not just that day but my whole future. (continued page 13)
Above: James Boyce, historian and author
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
11
(from page 12) And then, totally without warning, an image of transforming splendour came upon me. I cannot recall another moment when outer beauty so crashed in on my spirit. The uniqueness of this experience was that it was so unexpected – I had not a glimmer of hope that with one extra step, one corner turned, the world could be so totally transformed. Where had the pasture, trees, river and farm come from? Where had the city disappeared to? Was I living a miracle? I remember becoming transfixed with joy, and on reaching the first fence, looking with a newly discovered kinship at a motley group of animals. It didn’t surprise me when I found that the cow didn’t run away, or that the sheep seemed so eager for a pat. At this moment, in this place, for a lost young man, Eden had been reclaimed. The founder of the Iona Community, George Macleod, used to say that there existed places where the line between heaven and earth was very thin. It is in such spaces that we can most easily see the true glory of life, and be reminded of what we can be. Such sacred sites both sustain and challenge us to work for a better world. They embody hope. For 25 years I have known that our farm is such a place. James Boyce
Farmland since 1838
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM NOTICE OF
2011 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Saturday 22 October, 10am The Farm Barn Are you interested in attending our AGM? Or assisting the farm by serving on the Committee of Management? Positions on the Committee of Management (COM) are voluntary, unpaid and last for two years. The COM meet on the evening of the 4th Thursday of each month, as well as on Planning Days and a variety of sub-committees. You would need to be able to commit to attend these meetings. For nomination forms and further details please contact Alex Walker, Farm Manager on 9417 5806 or via a.walker@farm.org.au. For seating purposes, if you are planning to attend please RSVP the Farm by Friday 14 October 2011.
Above: Sisters of the Good Shepherd stroll by the diary herd, which provided milk for the Covent residents
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
12
Farmland History The history of the local farmland (Pt. 2) Continuing on from the first part of the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands (APHF) history, in this edition of Farm Yarns we happily learn that in: 1870 – “in the grounds where fine gums grew and cattle grazed” 1877 – “a large portion of the grounds attached to the Convent is devoted to kitchen gardening” 1880 – “... the soil is very good and well cultivated, supplying nearly all the vegetables required for the use of the inmates. There is a large orchard, poultry yards and a number of milch (sic) cows supplying various necessaries for the use of the inmates. 1913 – “The Dairy. In the spotless model dairy are only a few pans of milk; for the quantity required to supply over 600 meals daily – to say nothing of the breakfast porridge, invalids allowance, etc does not permit much for butter making” “The Farm – past the vegetable gardens we go ... the plants are being watered by numerous girls ... sun bonnets drawn well over their faces and cheery of words ringing from one to the other.”
Andrew Phillips
“Now the Farm Yard. In the stalls stand the cows waiting to be milked. They have not long to wait. Even now the dairymaids come along, pails shining with cleanliness in their hands ... I go to see the porkers, who are grunting contentedly in their styles. Their duty is to provide bacon for the institution. They are pretty well satisfied with their lot in life ... Towards the poultry farm, and see the incubators and up-to-date yards now, through nonetheless fowls – Orphington, Leghorn and the good-layers and badlayers are in these scientifically laid owl fowl dimenses or houses with the picturesque little houses where ladders lead up to the tiny door through which they enter like old men first, soon do they learn what is for their convenience and comfort. Yet all this poultry does not form a source of outside profit for the institution.” As part of our Rare Breeds Trust poultry flock, today on the Farm we continue to proudly house the Orpington and Leghorn breeds (as well as Faverolles and Light Sussex). Your farming heritage in action! Next edition - Part 3!
Above: The Southern slopes of the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands - post 1900
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
13
Would you like a chance to share your passion and expertise to assist the Farm? Collingwood Children's Farm - Committee of Management Expressions of interest The Collingwood Children's Farm Committee of Management provides strategic direction and oversees the management of the farm. The Committee is looking to grow the diversity and strength of its team and seeks candidates who are passionate about the Farm and its future. In particular, we are looking for individuals with skills in the following areas: • • • •
Finance/Accounting Animal management/husbandry Veterinary Landcare/Agriculture
Please express your interest to join the Committee by Friday 16 September by submitting a short bio and reasons for your interest (one page) to Alex Walker, Farm Manager (a.walker@farm.org.au or 0402 115 326). Please also feel free to contact Alex should you have any questions.
DONATION TO THE COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM Purchase a hay-bale for the animals! As a not-for-profit organisation, the Farm welcomes donations to meet our running costs. And our animals eat a lot! Please support the Farm by directly purchasing food for the animals (donations over $2 are tax deductable*).
Yes, I would like to support the Farm by purchasing: Total
Qty
x Lucerne Hay Bale
$
(@$14 p/bale)
Name: Address: P/Code:
or
State:
Please charge my Visa or Mastercard
x Lucerne Hay Chaff $
Card No.:
(@$21 p/bag)
Exp:
Cheque enclosed
I would like a tax receipt please (note: cheques should be made payable to Collingwood Children’s Farm, PO Box 80, Abbotsford, 3067) * - a receipt is required by the Australian Tax Office for donation claims
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
/
14
Animal Knowledge Guinea Pigs - a Farm favourite Guinea pigs are members of the Cavy family and are not pigs at all. In South America cavies grow to more than twice the size of our girls and are farmed as a readily available source of protein for locals and tourists!
Julia Smallwood
Our latest lodgers are Snugglepot and Cuddlepie who are quite young and still getting used to all the attention and handling that their new life entails. Many children have their favourites and come to the farm to see them regularly. It is handy to remember that Friday morning is always cleaning time and the hutches are closed until about 11am. Jenny and her helpers work as quickly as they can but always want to do a thorough job ... as the guinea pigs would expect them to! Left: Cuddlepie the Guinea Pig
We are often asked where we get our guinea pigs from and do we sell babies. Our group are all girls and apart from Nutmeg, the last of our old boy Brillo’s offspring, have come from homes where they can no longer be kept. It may be a change of house, outgrowing a pet or in Cinnamon’s case an unexpected allergic reaction...she is a bit on the fluffy side. Sometimes the previous owners have kept males and females and so we get surprises like Immi and Marmalade a few weeks after taking new girls onto the farm. Right: Snugglepot ... snuggling!
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
Collingwood Children’s Farm PO Box 80 Abbotsford 3067
PLACE STAMP HERE
Farm phone: 9417 5806 Email: enquiry@farm.org.au Website: www.farm.org.au
Family Fun Days First Sunday of the month (no fun day in January)
Also enjoy hay rides and pony rides (when available), and other farm activities all for price of standard entry.
Farmer’s Market
Where to find us St Heliers Street, Abbotsford Melways Ref 44 G5 Open every day of the year Entry: $16 Family $8 Adult $4 Child
The the concept of aSaturday supported held second volunteer program is unique to ofour every month for beautifarm. Originally it was ful fresh, produce. known asquality the Disability Program, but we prefer to focus on abilities rather than the lack of them … just like the renamed RDA riding program! You may ask why the program exists and what are the benefits of it to the participants and the farm. In the case of special school students, in class groups A VFMA both accredited market