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This has been another tough year for many in the community. We barely recovered from the fires, then the floods and hail hit destroying many crops, all with an ongoing COVID 19 overlay. Resilience is often discussed and boy we have needed it in spades. Surprisingly we, I mean SAGE, have still achieved quite a lot. Sadly, gone have been the Friday night get togethers’ and the regular Solstice dinners, the social side of SAGE which is such a feature has been an obvious victim of COVID. But as conditions have allowed we have continued with the working bees, a few select functions, some important structural stuff at the committee level and full steam ahead out at Stepping Stone Farm. And we have not missed one Farmers Market day which is a remarkable feat in itself.
Last August we conducted a survey asking for feedback on a number of issues that are important to SAGE. Pleasingly we got around 100 responses, thank you. The results were very helpful in informing our strategic plan workshop which, after a number of delays, was held at the end of November at the Botanic Gardens with a professional facilitator. The outcome of this workshop was finally adopted by the committee in June. This is now available on the website and I encourage you to check it out.
NEW WEBSITE
The redevelopment of the website was another big project. Late last year we employed E-chic as our developer and set up a working group consisting of Trevor Moore, Sandra Makdessi and Cath Reilly to manage the day to day detail. We are now live with almost all of the scope implemented with the Farmers e-Market, the last and more complicated component due to be live at the end of August this year. We will now be publishing regular newsletters, pushing out notices of upcoming events and allowing membership renewals online.
FARMERS MARKET
The Farmers Market continues to go from strength to strength, not missing a market day providing fresh produce to our community. This year we had a change of market managers, a big thanks to Amy Whiting and we welcomed Deb Lickley to the role in December. The economic impact of the market for both our growers and business community continues to rise. The Economic Impact Survey conducted throughout 2019/20 demonstrated a 14% increase in vendor sales and overall increase in economic activity for the wider business community of 35% when compared to the previous survey in 2014/15. The full EIS is available on our website.
E-MARKET
The e-market is providing a vital service to those who don’t want to line up or require delivery. This would not be possible without the dedicated volunteers including Lorna Calder, Susan Heyward and previously, Cath Reilly who rally the troops to pack and despatch an average of 25 orders every week.
SAGE GARDEN
The garden has been the source of much discussion by the committee. Sadly Kat Cathcart has decided to take a different direction so for this next season Linda Machon will be growing crops in the commercial beds whilst we decide on the longer term strategy for the garden.
VOLUNTEERS
The volunteers play a vital role in running SAGE. Susan Heyward has developed an engagement strategy to properly recognise your efforts and to form the basis for recruiting more volunteers. We have the Community Food group, the Working Bee group, the Veggies for All group, the Duffers, the Stepping Stone Farm group, the Mowing group, the Catering and Events team in all numbering around 120. It is such a statement on the individual commitment to SAGE and to thank you we had planned to have a function for you and your families, however COVID has thwarted these plans but we remain hugely thankful for your efforts and commitment.
MEMBERSHIP
Like volunteers, members also play a vital role. A Membership Review has been undertaken looking at how we can enhance the membership offer and improve the administration. This report will be tabled at the next committee meeting.
GRANTS
We rely on grants to fund our various programs. This year we have been successful with the following grants:
• IMB grant for $15,000. The Vegies for All program will provide raised beds for bush fire effected residents as well as refurbishing the wicking beds at SAGE for the community food program
• ESC grant $5,000 for website redevelopment
• 2021 Volunteers grant $5,000 which will provide for new gazebos for the Farmers market, and for Stepping Stone Farm a computer and a defibrillator
CATERING AND EVENTS
The catering and events team have, understandably, not had such a busy year but still have maintained the high standard of deliciousness and enthusiasm from the team led by Sandra Makdessi. The events have been:
• 2 x Growers Gatherings, one at SAGE and one at Old Mill Farm
• 10 x Cook to Grow workshops
• Deua Valley Bush Fire Recovery Sports and Community day
• Seasonal Spread in March
• Narooma Oyster Festival VIP tent in May
• 2 x Moruya Book shop events
• 2 x LLS functions
STEPPING STONE FARM
To put some context to the time line it was late June last year that Joyce Wilkie, who I introduced at the last AGM commenced out at Stepping Stone Farm. The interns, Shani Keane and Josh Gowers started in October 2020. So much has been achieved in these last 8 months, many lessons learnt, and some adaptation has been necessary given the experience of extremely heavy summer and autumn rains. Shani and Josh ably led by Joyce and supported by a regular crew of volunteers have turned these kikuyu paddocks into a very productive farm. Further support for the farm can be demonstrated by the generosity of donations including a solar power system from Bunya Solar, a composting toilet from Leanne and Steve Luther and two anonymous cash donations of $10,000. Whilst our sales to year end are short of our budget we are confident that this next year we will be cash flow positive. We now have under cultivation just short of an acre and plan to open up more ground this coming year when our new intern crew are on board. To this end Campbell Page, in partnership with Stepping Stone Farm, have secured funding to provide for two lots of six-month internships for six people paying award wages, plus a supervisor and associated tools of trade. The value of our part of this funding is over $300k. This is a game changer for us and will set the farm up for future success. Thanks go to Alison Walsh in making this happen.
Thank you to everyone who contributes to SAGE, I trust I have adequately acknowledged everyone’s contribution. You can be assured that your efforts are making a difference. Neil and Michelle Dolphin, who have put us on a very solid foundation over the last 3 years will, sadly, be stepping down as treasurer. Marjolein Kromhout will be stepping down as secretary, and during the year Kath Stonestreet resigned from the committee. Thank you all for your involvement and guidance. Lastly, I wish to express my appreciation for the support and contribution, the committee, the sub-committees and convenors make to keeping us a vibrant and inclusive organisation.
Mark Barraclough
President
201 - 2022
This year marks the 13th year since incorporation of SAGE and together we have made real progress on our core vision to be part or a thriving, resilient and secure food community.
