Harvest Festival: Growers & Producer’s of the South West Region
Supported by Agriculture Victoria’s ‘Vic Grown’ Project and the community of local farmers, growers and makers, Common Ground Project is hosting a one day, family-friendly festival that aims to shine the light on the region’s quality produce, inspiring more connection to Victorian food and beverage.
Common Ground Project is on a mission to connect and empower the community through food and farming. Grounded in regenerative farming, and in recognition of the urgent need for a more resilient food system, they firmly believe in the idea that connection to land, food and community can drive meaningful social change.
Taking place on Sunday November 3rd, 2024, Harvest Festival is far more than just a market day. Featuring stalls of locally grown vegetables and house-made goods from across the Southwest region, alongside live music, talks, workshops, farm tours, activities for the kids, hot food, baked items and more.
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On the music stage, Surfcoast indie-roots solo outfit Dan Aaron will be joined by a line-up of local musicians to bring the vibe and supply the sounds of the day. A program of talks aiming to educate and inspire will include Sharon from Jala Jala Treats talking about the bush foods industry and a Food Systems Panel that will discuss the challenges and opportunities of being small-scale producers in this region.
An event for the whole family, kids can be a part of farm craft activities, feeding animals, farmer-play as well as games throughout the grounds.
Staying Grounded, one of Common Ground Project’s advocacy and education programs, provides training and employment pathways in farming and hospitality for people facing disadvantage in the Geelong region. In particular, they work with women from asylum seeker and immigrant communities that are seeking employment. On the day,
festival goers can meet and chat all things cooking with the program’s participants and taste the flavours of their culture. Expect the Afghani street-food staple Bolani-stuffed flatbread with farm greens, as well as Iraqi dolma made from grape vine leaves timely due for harvest days before the event.
This free festival aims to solidify the identity of the local region and increase awareness of the positive environmental and social impact that comes with buying from small-scale producers.
A wholesome event not to be missed, patrons can expect to leave fulfilled, inspired and with a market basket in hand that’s brimming with incredible produce.
