Rainbow Region Community Farms Achievements – The First Three Years

Rainbow Region Community Farms Inc. (RRCF) was established after a public meeting in October 2006 showed strong support for a community farm and neighbourhood gardens in the Lismore and surrounding areas.  In December 2006, the organisation was formally registered as a not-for-profit organisation.

Achievements During 2007

• - A one-hectare pilot market garden set up on a private property at Lindendale.  Several large vegetable plots were established using organic principles and no irrigation.  A large variety of summer and winter crops were grown, with produce being sold to local greengrocers and given away to volunteers and some community groups.  In addition, the existing fruit orchard was rejuvenated and this resulted in a large harvest of citrus, especially oranges. A large part of the work was done by participants of two Work for the Dole Projects which were sponsored by RRCF.  During the year a number of workshops on topics such as pruning, making compost and establishing a no-dig garden were run for members.  In October, an Open Day was held which attract quite a few visitors, including representative of a number of organisations such a Northern Rivers Health, Lismore Council and Rous Water.
• - RRCF, jointly with the Northern Rivers Social Development Council Inc. obtained funding of approximately $180,000 over an eighteen month period from the Department of Health and Aging to help establish a Community Garden in Lismore.
• - Throughout the year a number of possible sites for the community farm were identified and discussions held with council personnel regarding viability.
• - An insurance policy to cover volunteers while working on the sites, including neighbourhood gardens, was secured.
• - Other activities during year included running some stalls at the Lismore boot market to publicise our existence, a stall at the Lismore Volunteers Expo (where the RRCF stall was voted as best display), a Trivia night to raise some funds, and a trip to the Northey Street Community Farm in Brisbane.

Achievements During 2008

• - A community garden was set up in the grounds of the Natural Birth and Education Centre on Lindendale Road.  This consists of a vegetable plots, growing a variety of summer and winter crops.  Work was also undertaken on established fruit trees and the banana plantation on the site, as well as helping the people at the Birth Centre on various tasks.  Again, work was carried out by volunteers and participants in two RRCF sponsored Work for the Dole Projects.  Produce is both sold and given to the Birth Centre and volunteers.  Over the two years, produce sales have amounted to about $10,000 and these funds will help the development on the Community Garden in Lismore.
• - Two representatives from RRCF joined a Policy Advisory Group charged with managing the Healthy and Active Grant received in 2007.  Further exploration of possible sites continued and towards the end of the year, the position of Project Coordinator was advertised and an appointment made.
• - In early 2008, RRCF assisted with the organisation of the Seminar on Sustainability held at SCU with guest speakers including Roberto Perez from Cuba and Russ Grayson from Community Gardens Australia.  The seminar was held in March, and RRCF was a sponsor and ran an information stall on the day.
• - During the year, RRCF provided advice and support to a group of residents setting up a neighbourhood garden in North Lismore and another group at Beardow Street.  Advice was also provided in response to enquiries from groups in Dunoon, Mullumbimby and Alstonville.
• - In April, the first Annual General Meeting was held and the new committee elected.
• - Other activities during the year included a stall at the Lismore Volunteers Expo and a stall at the May birthday celebrations at the Precious Plants Nursery, where members demonstrated constructing a no-dig garden, which is still growing vigorously.  An information stall was also run at the Troppo Organic Markets birthday celebration.

Achievements During 2009

• - Continued developing the highly successful market garden at the Natural Birth and Education Centre in Lindendale.  The Work for the Dole scheme has ceased to operate but the work at the garden continues thanks to the Work Experience project plus with the help of volunteers.
• - The location for the community garden in Lismore was finalised and the lease was signed in October 2009.
• - Development of the community garden has commenced and most energy of the organisation is being funnelled to getting the garden built, established and running.