The Green Living Fair started last year as an initiative of Valhalla Wines, a local winery, operating with sustainable business practices. Realising that sustainability is many things to many people, our aim was to gather together a group of exhibitors that encompass sustainable practises, including our social responsibilities. When we considered Fair Trade and how our choices can affect others lives on a global scale, we were led to the work of Tribes and Nations.

The Green Living Fair 2009

Community pride was evident at the 2009 Green Living Fair held at Valhalla Wines, Wahgunyah, with 1000 visitors dropping in to experience the practical ways in which we can all make a difference. Over 20 exhibitors demonstrated how to reduce our impact on the earth, save money, improve our health and wellbeing and foster connections within our community. Visitors from far and wide were keen to sample a slice of the action, whether it be solar energy, locally made cheeses or the opportunity to see a chook tractor in action.

“The range of exhibits is really surprising, who would have thought that sustainability included locally manufactured chocolate and tyres made from lavender oil!” enthused Meredith Christie. “It just shows that people are really thinking about sustainability in all facets of their lives”.

Adding to the information provided through the exhibitors, visitors this year had the opportunity to participate in a range of information sessions, covering a range of subjects, including the principles of permaculture, a worm waste system tour and alternative energy options.

Martin Nichol from Sun Real Renewable Energy Systems and presenter elaborated “It’s encouraging to see so many people interested in solar and alternative energies - the range of questions indicate that people are becoming more in tune with the environmental benefits and financial savings that are possible with the installation of alternative energy systems”

Sustainability extended beyond the traditional boundaries of alternative energy and vegies to community networks such as the Eat Local Food Group (ELF) who through their delicious curries and home baked desserts, inspired visitors to connect with their local food sources.

“It’s amazing just what is available locally when you take the time to look” Corowa local, Nicole Forge explained, “the supermarket olive oil from Spain doesn’t rate anywhere near our local product, grown and pressed less than 10 minutes away”

A highlight of this year’s Fair was the Green Living Art and Sculpture Exhibition, a result of a Regional Arts Fund grant. The Exhibition featured a diverse range of art and sculpture from a series of workshops conducted in the lead-up to the Fair along with contributions from local primary school students.

We came along to see the children’s artwork that was part of the Green Living Art & Sculpture exhibition” said Casandra Hughes, proud mother of two budding artists “They were thrilled to have been able to take part in the workshops and now their very first exhibition. It has been a great opportunity for the community to explore its creative side”.

The last word goes to local mum Loretta Bennett, “We were inspired. It was fantastic to see so many diverse groups together celebrating sustainability, ensuring that our community stays vibrant and vital”.

Fast Facts

Attendance 1001 - Visitors from all over the region and as far afield as Wollongong, Melbourne and Hay

24 Exhibitors – From locally produced Chocolate to Lavender Tyres

Over 350 Showbags distributed

Over 90 Curry meals served with diners happily washing their own plates and cutlery

Over 180 pieces of artwork in the Green Living Art & Sculpture Exhibition

66 people involved in the Green Living Art & Sculpture workshops

7 Volunteers from Rutherglen High School

2 Silky Bantam Chooks in the BPA Chook Tractor

18,000 Worms

1 Pipe Band

1 Brass Band

1 Cover Band

Notable Quotes:

It was great to see collaborative cross border efforts, for instance the Local Landcare groups banding together to work on pasture improvement with the introduction and monitoring of dung beetles. Perhaps our State Government bodies could take a lesson or two from the dung beetle, who don’t recognise borders. Allen Cox, Hay

My expectations of a bunch of “greenies” was thrown out the window as I enjoyed talking to the Albury Wodonga Environment Centre’s representative who explained their long history in the area. It is fantastic to see such a dedicated band of volunteers so passionate about what they’re doing. Stephen Blain, Corowa