FARM YARNS Winter 2014
175 years from 1838
of farming to 2013
We would like to acknowledge generous support from the following organisations:
Ph: 9681 8121
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
2013-14 Committee of Management Cheryl Cameron
Mikyla Hart
Netta McArthur (V.Pres.)
Helen Semmler (Sec.)
Lachlan Fitch
Greg Sparks
Jessica Gillespe
Lily O’Neill (Pres.)
Richard Ginsburg (Treas.)
Jane Ogilvie
Lachlan Turner
Cr Misha Coleman
Alex Walker (Farm Manager) 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 1835). The CCF is guided by a Committee of Management, elected annually. Front Cover photo - Children delighting in a fabulous fire-display at the 2013 Winter Solstice Bonfire (image Josh Beale) Rear Cover photo - Spiraling Zucchini flower gently unfolds in the Early Orchard vegetable beds
175 years
3
of farming
Farm Manager
Alex Walker
Managers Report Rain—well finally we’ve had a little (thanks
playing a critical part in the demise of what
weather gods) and the various results got me
was probably one of the oldest post-1835
thinking about both the positive and negative
settlement trees in the area. Regular visitors
aspects of its arrival. Firstly, survival. It is of
would of course realise I am talking about the
course an essential and necessary part of nature’s cycle that supports life on the planet. Without water, no us! Then, fun. As a proud parent and grandparent I take delight in watching children jump and splash in the muddy puddles that form around the Farm after a decent shower. It’s one of the rituals of childhood, getting wet and dirty (and yes I appreciate there will be clothes to wash) then getting clean and dry again. Make sure you visit the Farm over Winter and let kids be kids. We are always a little quieter in the cold weather months; you can sometimes have the Farm all to yourself. Just don’t forget the gumboots, raincoat and change of clothes. Growth. The APHF paddocks are all looking decidedly greener and this is a direct result of the way these unique farmlands are cared for Above: Elegant beauty of water in suspension
in a sustainable manner by the Farm. We want to ensure that the land is able to rejuvenate from
ancient Peppercorn tree that stood opposite
ensuring animal rotation to minimise impact,
the pigs. As on this particular morning there
having
water
was no wind and a fine persistent drizzle, we
evaporation to not using any petrochemical
believe the combined weight of water sitting
industrial fertilisers, we take a series of
on its leaves and simply the age of the tree
deliberate measures to pass the land on to
conspired to split it in two. And when you
future generations to enjoy in better shape
have truly heavy rains there is always the risk
than how we found it.
of
and
replenish
itself
shelter
naturally.
belts
to
So
reduce
flooding
(hopefully
nothing
like
30 November 1934, a 100-year event when Change.
On
a
recent
drizzly
Thursday
morning, water demonstrated its power by
350mm fell in 48 hours). One photograph shows the Barn submerged up to its roof!
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
4
175 years
of farming
Speaking of supporting farmers, I want to thank everyone who purchases from our monthly Farmers Market. Your positive choice to participate in a business model that directly rewards the grower/producers struck me in stark
contrast
livelihoods
are
to
those
tied
to
farmers supplying
whose large
supermarket chains. In a recent Weekly Times (www.weeklytimesnow.com.au)
article
(23 April 2014), how little primary producers make was made clear with some cold hard facts. Amongst other statistics, it was reported that from a $127 basket of basic groceries, farmers received just $35 (or 28%). It’s little wonder that alternative business models such as Farmers Markets and direct internet sales are booming, as money goes straight back to the producer. Which not only keeps farmers on the land but ensures we continue to have Above: The free-range flock celebrate their new leader (image Sam Imbrogno)
vibrant and diverse rural communities.
Challenges. The recent wet weather showed
The annual Winter Solstice Bonfire will occur
the resilience and support that the local
on Saturday 21st June. It will follow many of
community continues to demonstrate for our
the familiar rhythms established over the
monthly Farmers Market. Despite the Stables
years, however local artist Annie Edney will of
Paddock
churned
course be creating a series of unique fire–
quagmire, hundreds of shoppers persisted in
sculptures and lanterns. Tickets can only be
conditions that were less than conducive to a
purchased online at www.trybooking.com.au,
fun day out. Pack-up at the end of the market
none are available at the gate on the night. So
likewise took a great deal of patience and I
be quick, don’t miss out and be disappointed.
becoming
a
slippery,
want to thank all the stallholders for following the instructions of “one at a time, takes things
You may not be aware that 2014 is the
slow and don’t stop once you’re moving”.
International Year of the Family Farm (IYFF).
Luckily the tractor wasn’t necessary that day,
An initiative of the Food and Agriculture
but on the Monday after, it proved its worth
Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the
when the City of Yarra recycling truck became
IYFF seeks to support family farming across
bogged in the composting area. Thanks to
the globe by recognising, celebrating and
Andrew for ensuring the truck got out safely.
securing its diversity and role it plays in
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
175 years
5
of farming
feeding an increasingly hungry world. Some
locally to a balanced diet and safeguarding
fascinating statistics you can find on their
the world’s agrodiversity.
website include:
And whilst the 2014 IYFF is an interesting and
There are over 500 million family farms in
comprehensive
the world
currently no events are (so far) scheduled for
They rely predominantly on family labour
Australia. If you would like to find out more
It is the predominant form of agriculture in
(or perhaps suggest a local celebration to the
developed and developing nations
FAO) there is a wealth of quality information
Over 70% of the world’s food-insecure
and
populations are fed by family farms
www.familyfarmingcampaign.net/en/home or
Family farms usually run crop-diverse
www.fao.org/family-farming-2014/en/. If you
agricultural
have an idea for an 2014 IYFF event at the
traditional
systems food
and
products,
preserve contributing
resources
year-long
to
be
found
celebration,
online
Farm, please contact a.walker@farm.org.au.
Below: Our donated Massey-Fergusson proving its worth, as the City of Yarra truck had decided to well and truly bog itself in the Composting Bay. Another example of rain’s unexpected consequences! (image Sam Imbrogno)
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
at
6
175 years
of farming
As farmers our concern for the immediate and
as turtles, and recently the boys found a fine
wider environment not only extends to the
example (probably an Eastern Long-neck,
land that supports the animals and vegetation.
Chelodina longicollis) had decided to see what
It also extends to the waterways that surround
the tasty tidbit near it in the water was all
the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands -
about. The turtle was inspected, found to be
in our case the Yarra River. For example, our
very
Integrated Paddock Management Program
(hopefully a bit wiser than it was previously).
healthy
and
released
unharmed
seeks to assist river quality by minimising any potentially harmful runoff. And over the past 12 months some staff have been making a concerted effort to remove the introduced fishpest Carp (Cyprinus carpio) from our section of Below: Nick checks a turtle is okay before its return. And making sure he doesn’t get bitten! (image Sam Imbrogno)
Above, Below: Some familiar faces will be making their return at this year’s Solstice Bonfire!
the river. The fishing team (for want of a better name for Nick, Sam, Rodger and sometimes Andrew) have removed quite a number of Carp, which reduces their competition for food resources and intensively destructive habit of bottom-feeding via mud agitation. One sign of a healthy river is the presence of reptiles such
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
175 years
of farming
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
7
8
175 years
of farming
Team Leaders
Bridget Bainbridge/ Nick Karavokiros
What’s been happening about the Farm?
one half falling down on the fence and over
Winter has arrived in the orchards. The trees
the bike track. The remaining half was
are losing their leaves and we are slowly
swaying precariously, and so we cut it down
changing over from Autumn vegetable crops
that afternoon (before it fell on someone
to Winter ones. The tomatoes are all gone and
looking at the pigs). We now have fantastic
green chutney has been made from the last
tree-climbing logs for small children in its
fruitings. Quinces, pumpkins, eggplants and
place, and a huge pile of mulch. Yes, fun and
the last zucchinis are being harvested. The sweet corn has been pulled up and replaced by broad
beans,
parsnips,
turnips,
carrots,
Below: Watch this space. The remains of our much-loved old Peppercorn tree, a shadow of its former self.
coriander, parsley, spinach and garlic. Soon it will be time to start pruning the trees again.
useful, but I think we all would have preferred the tree not to decide to fall apart. We have not replanted just yet as we are looking at redeveloping the compost paddock area, and are considering moving the driveway.
Above: An excellent season for quince has resulted in a bounty of fruit. Time to make paste and persuade the goats to make some cheese? (image Bridget Bainbridge)
The Bonfire is once again not far away and lantern-making is starting this Monday 19th May with Annie Edney at the old house
Many of you will have noticed that the big old
(16 Saint Heliers Street) verandah. If you
Peppercorn tree (opposite the pigs) has been
would like to be involved in the lantern-
cut down. It’s a very sad loss for us here at the
making please let us know (either by phoning
Farm. One recent drizzly Thursday morning
9417 5806 or email staff@farm.org.au - we are
the tree simply split down the middle, with
working on Mondays between 10am and 5pm.
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
175 years
9
of farming
This year we are making insect-themed
Alan West has made us five new milking
creations that can be worn (on or over the
stools for use at the cow area. Alan has made a
body) by children for the lantern parade.
few generations of milking stools for us over the years, these are the latest batch. As
Ivy the dog left the farm a few months ago and
previously
demonstrated,
they
went into formal training with Katie from
beautifully
hand-crafted
Dogs for Kids with Disabilities (DKD) to be an
pioneer wood skills and contain no nails - just
assistance dog. She failed. Ivy told Katie she
beautifully crafted joins. Have a look at them
didn’t really like escalators very much, and
next time you are down to milk the cow. There
wanted to say hello to other dogs more than is
is also a tiny little one for very small bottoms!
using
are
all
traditional
Below: Lovely new milking stools cast a long shadow in the soft afternoon light (image Bridget Bainbridge)
Above: Ivy makes a loving friend at her new placement (image sourced by Bridget Bainbridge)
appropriate for a working DKD dog. So Ivy has since been trialled with a family as a companion dog for a young boy with a disability. It isn’t a permanent placement yet, but it does seem to be going very well, so we are quietly hopeful it will become permanent. The mother of the child has sent a text to Katie saying that after Ivy arrived to stay their child has slept right through the night, and “hasn’t stopped talking gibberish since her arrival. Any speech is amazing for development and everyone is so excited!”. Our thought is that
Last year we had 20 lambs born, much more
having Ivy was hard work at times, but so
than the paddocks can carry and so last week
very well worth it. Despite not becoming a
the
“full” DKD dog, we’re still very proud of her
slaughtering. Most of the lambs were sold to
and pleased that we have all been able to help
staff and volunteers, and all were despatched
someone so much.
on-site by Stewie our skilled and respectful
butcher
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
came
and
did
the
annual
10
175 years
of farming
home butcher. This is less stressful for the animals, and provides the added benefit of beautiful quality, low food-mileage lamb we know has been well looked after. Additionally it gives staff and volunteers a chance to come and be involved, which is both confronting and gruesome but also interesting and informing; in some strange way a unique and quietly reassuring opportunity. Not many people today eat animals they have raised from paddock to plate! This year we have so many lambs we are going to trial sending a few to an abattoir (this will ensure we meet all relevant food production regulations) and selling them to the Farm Café. We’re hoping it will be a great success - keep your eye on the
1 1
2
PHOTOS Beans starting to emerge in the orchard. Great for soil health, and should be ready for sale in time for the August Farmers Market! PriceWaterhouseCoopers volunteers busy at work building lanterns for the Winter Solstice Bonfire. If you want to help, just contact the Farm on 9417 5806.
café menu in the future for a variety of homegrown lamb dishes. Some of our more elderly chickens have been retired to Dianne (from Heatherwood) and Ed Smart (our of our Committee of Management ex-treasurers). A couple of the older free range Light Sussex girls have found a new home with Dianne, and two older Salmon Favorelles have joined some of their daughters and nieces at Ed’s house. We have retired the chooks to make way for younger girls who are more fertile and quicker on their feet (but hopefully not so adept at stealing children’s food out of their hands!). Fox traps have been set by the City of Yarra contractor along the riverbank for the last few weeks. The trapping is done humanely with
2
soft-jaw traps, checked regularly by the contractor. We are hoping to see a few less
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
175 years
11
of farming
foxes around as numbers have been building
There has also been plenty of physical changes
lately. Recently we lost nearly all our ducks
around the Farm. The recently opened-up area
(and some roosters) to nocturnal fox attacks.
down the middle of the Early and Late Orchards looks fantastic! Nick has been doing
The Young Farmers program has seen some
an amazing (not to mention creative) job of
new children start. It is great to see the older
constructing
(and not-so-older) kids welcoming them into
bikepath garden of 18 Saint Heliers Street.
Farm life. Recently we held the annual Stables
Nick’s use of the old hay-rake tines not only
Sleepover which was great fun (especially as
looks great but makes for useful recycling and
the kids did eventually get some sleep).
effective fencing. This task was completed
Thanks to those staff who organised the event,
with a secondary student work crew from the
and those who were on duty. A yummy BBQ
Shire of Whittlesea. Great work everyone.
a
new
fenceline
along
the
dinner and pancake breakfast was enjoyed by everyone. Our new potty calf Finna, is slowly recovering from what we think is a bout of ringworm. Her hair is regrowing in the affected areas and she still looks a bit spotty, but her vigour is strong. It’s a pity she is so cute as we all want to pat her but know this isn’t possible for a while yet! We will advise Farm
visitors
when
this
becomes possible. Pigwise, Maybelle (one of our
Above: Nick teaching his secondary student work crew new skills
rare breed Berkshire sows) had a healthy but small litter of three piglets. They
The Waler Horse society visited the Farm on
are now about 6-8 weeks old and running
ANZAC Day. Zac was very pleased to be
about exploring everything (then running
joined by all his Waler friends for this
straight back to mum if something is a bit
important day. A big thank you to Angela and
scary).
involves
all her helpers! You can discover a little more
finding what’s good to eat. Greta and Typhoon
about the history of the Waler horse and the
are still residing in Pole Paddock, you should
significant role they played in Australia’s
see all the “pigdozing” they have done!
WW1 war service at www.walerhorse.com.
Usually
this
exploration
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
12
175 years
of farming
Community Gardens
Toni Phillips
Also there are a number of plots that are becoming very weedy. It is understandable that people become very frustrated when their immaculate
plots
(with
no
weeds
and
producing food all year round) are now becoming a window of opportunity for all the intrusive weeds from less well-tended plots. Apart from that, the collective look of the plots is currently quite uncared-for in some areas, and I think we could improve that quite easily with little effort. Naturally some people have more time, energy and expertise to devote to their plot and these always present as a positive oasis of abundance.
Above: A bright and cheery scarecrow protects and delights at the same time (image Toni Phillips)
Hi everyone, just a reminder to some about the community part of community gardens. There are some wonderful examples of plotters really assisting each other, especially if someone is sick or injured, and with watering. But unfortunately there are others that only care for their plot without thought or effort for the surrounding area and neighbours.
Above: It’s amazing what Michael has been able to achieve in a single month (image Toni Phillips)
This is particularly and continually evidenced by some pathways not being maintained (or
Not everyone is able to do that, and so it is
only done so at our constant urging). Please be
important to really think about what to plant;
mindful that everyone needs to be able to
eg annuals require more
access all of the pathways and plots, at all
whereas perennials can be very productive,
times. If you are lucky enough to have a plot,
though you have to be mindful of the timing of
it is your responsibility to do this.
their requirements.
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
intensive
care
175 years
13
of farming
Above: Deb and Lyndsay’s clever mix of perennial and annual plants always looks productive (image Toni Phillips)
If you are struggling with time, mobility
Please remember plots at the farm are very
or even gardening knowledge, the Farm
sought after, with people on the waiting
encourages sharing of plots. We know
list and visitors pointing out some plots
you may have waited quite a while to get a
are
plot and often think that “later on you will
automatically renewed. In order to keep
have more time to for it”, but more often
the plot you must have fulfilled your
than not that just doesn’t happen. The
obligation to keep it productive, clear
plots here are quite big and two people or
surrounding pathways, not allow weeds to
families can grow a lot of food in that
escape and to come to working bees.
space, either by dividing it up or
Working bees are held monthly on the 4th
producing cooperatively.
Saturday from 1.30pm to 4.00pm.
underutilised.
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
Plots
are
not
14
175 years
of farming
1
2
3
4 1
2 3 4 5
5
PHOTOS Celebrity chef Curtis Stone recently popped into the Farm to shoot a television commercial ... ... and feed Hungry Young Farmers! The orchards look so open and inviting now Nick’s amazing design work demonstrated with the new fenceline on the bike-path Lemons awaiting their (pancake) fate at the Young Farmers sleepover breakfast (images 1-2 Sam Imbrogno)
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
175 years
of farming
Wood oven revamp
Andrew Phillips
After its construction in 2006 and eight years of subsequent use, the Farm’s wood oven had developed a series of expansion cracks that were looking more and more like canyons. Across this time it had cooked countless numbers of scones, bread loaves, pizzas and many kilos of damper. Our wood oven is a sand-form construction, whereby sand is mounded into a (usually domed) shape and layers of a clay/stone mix are gradually built up and left to dry. Once sufficiently hardened, the sand is removed and exposed surfaces rendered (like ours, with a lime render) or decorated. They can also be constructed from many other (often combined) materials—stone, tiles, bricks, steel or concrete. More complex versions can have temperature gauges and hinged metal oven-doors.
Above: Repaired and ready to cook again!
areas wood ovens often served as a shared community resource and were felt to be the
Wood ovens have been used for thousands of
warm “heart” of a village.
years (the earliest remains found so far date to around 3,000BC). More than 30 commercial
Regardless of construction, the principle of a
wood oven bakeries were found in the buried
successful wood oven is the same. It must have
Italian city of Pompeii, along with cooked (but
the ability to “draw” air efficiently (with either
uneaten) bread loaves. Historically, in rural
a flue or breather holes). When bringing a
Below: Getting the oven up to temperature
wood oven up to temperature, you can tell it’s working well when the flames start to “lap” along the ceiling (pictured left). You also need to take care when stacking the firewood (think Jenga), as proper spacing allows for flame to circulate up the timber as it burns, creating a more efficient combustion. Repaired and rerendered, our wood oven is once again ready to serve the Farm community for many years. Reference www.fornobravo.com (download a free plan!)
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
15
16
175 years
of farming
Volunteers are great!
Julia Smallwood
We have just celebrated National Volunteers Week—a time to reflect on the important role volunteers play in the community and chance to say a big “THANK YOU!”. All the volunteers at the Farm are an essential part of its daily life. The ages of our volunteers range from 18-80 and they bring a wide variety of life experience, skills and ability to positively contribute. For some it is a way to feel useful, for others a chance to develop experience both working and socialising in a supportive environment. For all it is an important part of their lives.
1
At the Farm volunteers can do things such as clean animal pens, clean/fill water troughs, bottle honey, supervise tractor rides, help with pony rides, cook barbeque and pancakes, weed, plant, harvest and build. There is no job, big or small, that is not suited to everyone’s abilities. See the poster outside the Barn to check out how many “vollies” we have here! If you would like to find out more about National Volunteer Week you can visit www.volunteeringaustralia.org.
2 1 2
3
3
PHOTOS Any act of volunteering, however small, is worthy of recognition Just some of the groups and individuals who contribute to the Farm Check out the board outside the Barn for the full list of our volunteers
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
175 years
17
of farming
Transformation is child’s play
Andrew Phillips
Like all our staff (and I would suspect) our regular visitors, I was saddened with the recent loss of the ancient Peppercorn tree that had quietly anchored itself for many years. Over its probable 100+ years of long life this tree
had
silently
witnessed
European
settlement, including establishment of the Collingwood Children’s Farm. For many years it had served as the snacking point for the
1
Farm’s school tours, countless birthday parties or simply a lovely shaded spot to relax. However it has also been a heartening and powerful reminder of the ability of children to transform and play, making something new, fun and exciting (from what us adults might still be considering a sad state of affairs). Because from the exact day after the tree had fallen and its remains trimmed and secured, children have claimed it as their own very own
2
playground; delighting in climbing up, over, around, in and out. For me it has certainly helped to shift what was a feeling of gloom into a more uplifting direction. And so to hopefully promote this sense of positivity for everyone I have included a series of photos to demonstrate the transformation. Enjoy!
3
4
PHOTOS 1-4 Taken across various time intervals during one day at the Farm, this sequence demonstrates how children have claimed and made an old space a new, fun and vigorous place to be.
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
18
175 years
of farming Lily O’Neill
A new farm resident The Farm has a colourful new addition after
hear from the young people about their
renowned Victorian street artist Kaff-eine
experiences in their own words, which is very
painted a beautiful mural inspired by a story
important for organisations like ours."
written by a Berry Street School student. Children and chickens alike can look for the
The Collingwood
hidden Ataricorn, a magical horse sporting a
Children’s Farm’s
joystick horn and an electrical plug for a tail.
beautiful location and
connection
The Ataricorn grew from a young student’s
with
young
account of gaming, resilience and self-control
people make it a
in the face of a difficult childhood. It is part of
super spot for this
the HEARTCORE book collaboration in which
story
creative writing and poetry from Berry Street
HEARTCORE. On
School students has been interpreted by Kaff-
behalf
eine and painted as a series of 20 street art
HEARTCORE
works across Melbourne.
team, many thanks to the lovely Farm
and of
the
community and staff (feathered, furry and Many of the students in the Berry Street
human) who made the Ataricorn possible.
School’s three campuses have experienced abuse,
neglect
or
family
violence,
and
To see the making of HEARTCORE or to sign
HEARTCORE offers the young authors a
up for the news about the book, please visit
genuine opportunity to have their voices and
www.HEARTCOREbook.com.au, or Facebook
their stories heard by many. It will also bring
www.facebook.com/HEARTCOREbook or see
HEARTCORE followers a new understanding
Instagram @kaffeinepaints #heartcorebook.
of the challenges some young people face and how they negotiate growing up in such complex circumstances. A coffee-table book titled HEARTCORE will be launched on 25 September 2014, bringing curated, professional photographs of the paintings together with the writing. "Berry Street are very excited to be working with Kaff -eine and to have our students’ stories creatively illustrated in beautiful and emotive street art," says Sandie de Wolf AM, CEO of Victoria’s largest child and family services organisation. "It's also a great opportunity to
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
FARM YARNS Next edition due out 1st day of Spring
Collingwood Children’s Farm PO Box 80 Abbotsford 3067
PLACE STAMP HERE
Farmland since 1838
Farm phone: 9417 5806 Email: reception@farm.org.au Website: www.farm.org.au
Family Fun Days First Sunday of the month (no Family 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 concept of a supported held the second Saturday of volunteer program is unique to every month for beautiful our farm. Originally it was fresh,as quality produce. Proknown the Disability gram, 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, both in class groups