We have finalised a fantastic list of prizes for our Monster Raffle as part of our 10 year anniversary celebrations, you can buy tickets every Tuesday (9am to 12pm) or Friday (10am to 3pm) at our Centre (28 Saunders Street, Wynyard), or at our table outside Woolworths on the 8th of May, 10.30am to 1.30pm.

We would like to thank the Community Support Fund, administered by the Tasmanian Government Department of Premier and Cabinet for granting us funding for upgrading the facilities at our Community Farm at Oldina. This grant allowed us to build a new road to the Bush Buddies homeschooling area, install irrigation pipes for our polytunnel and market/community garden, amongst other improvements.

Social Activation Project (SAP) Report

Our SAP team have hit the ground running, with helping deliver a well-attended Biochar Workshop at the LWT Oldina Community Farm last Saturday delivered by Nick Towle. Below are reports about how the workshop went by our SAP Team.

Colby Biochar Report

The Biochar was about learning how to take care of your garden and the soil by burning the right combination of things to maximise soil health. I enjoyed the event and how many people turned up to learn about it. We got a lot of positive feedback from the reports of the event and the person running the event, Nick, was great, explaining what biochar was, the best ways to implement it into your daily life, and the practical side of the event was handled great. Overall I’d say the event was a success and while there were things we could have improved on, like time management and proper organisation, it still went great and we all did great running it.

Kalani’s Biochar Report

On Friday 18th April, the SAP (Social activation Project) proudly co-hosted a hands on and engaging biochar workshop at the Live Well Tasmania Oldina Farm. The session was led by guest presenter Nick Towle, who brought a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the day. The event saw a good turnout, with community members showing great enthusiasm and resilience by braving the elements to attend. The atmosphere throughout the workshop was warm, welcoming, and highly interactive, highlighting the strong interest in sustainable land management practices across the region.

The workshop focused on introducing participants to biochar, a carbon rich product known for its benefits in improving soil health, increasing water retention, and supporting long term sustainability. Nick provided both theoretical knowledge and practical insights, ensuring attendees walked away with a clear understanding of how biochar can be incorporated into their own gardens, farms, and community spaces.

One of the standout aspects of the event was the high level of engagement from attendees. Participants were eager to learn and contributed to meaningful discussions by asking thoughtful questions throughout the session. Many were particularly interested in the practical side of biochar, including how to use it effectively, what it can be applied to, and how long it lasts once introduced into the soil. These conversations created a valuable learning environment where knowledge was shared openly, and ideas could be explored in depth.

The opportunity to connect with others in the community who share an interest in sustainability was another key highlight of the day. Events like this not only provide education but also help build stronger community networks, encouraging collaboration and ongoing conversations around environmental practices.

We would like to extend our sincere thank you to Nick for generously sharing his time, expertise, and passion for biochar. His approachable and informative delivery played a significant role in making the workshop both enjoyable and impactful. We would also like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the day your willingness to engage, ask questions, and participate made the event truly worthwhile. The Biochar Event was well received and highly engaging, several areas for improvement were identified just within us as (SAP). The feedback forms that we got attendees to fill out on the day were very positive and we received really good feedback

A permaculture friend shared this fact sheet after seeing our posts about our Biochar Workshop. Double click on this or put this into your browser for info: https://biocharonsite.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/BiocharOnSite-FactSheet-FlameCapKiln-2025.pdf

SAP has three more events to deliver in the next four weeks

1. SAP is proudly partnering with Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation (CHAC). This session is an opportunity to come together and learn about Aboriginal knowledge, connection to Country, and sustainable land and water practices. The event will bring together community members, local organisations, and leaders to share knowledge and strengthen relationships with Country and each other.

Throughout the day, participants will have the opportunity to. 

• Explore sustainable land and water management practices
• Hear about the language and cultural knowledge of the North-West Coast of Tasmania
• Take part in a bush tucker walk and native plant activities
• Listen to local stories and shared knowledge from Aboriginal community members
• Join a guided walk around Fossil Bluff
• Learn about Aboriginal seasonal calendars

This is a valuable opportunity to engage with community, deepen understanding, and support ongoing conversations around Caring for Country. We would be honoured by your attendance and involvement in this important community event. Please feel free to share this invitation within your networks.

2.Growing Veggies and Herbs with Elspeth Brock. Places are filling fast and we also will be having organically grown produce for sale from our farm at the event. Bring some cash and get some very fresh, nutritious veggies!

3.Repair Café on the 23^rd May 2026 – 9.30-1.30

• Learn how to repair your clothes
• Learn how to darn your socks and woollen clothes
• Learn how to sharpen your tools and knives
• Learn how to fix your bike and get ready to ride
• Includes a Bees Wax making workshop
• So lots happening!!!!

We also encourage you to shop local, which reduces food miles and boost our local economy, see flyer below.

Bush Buddies

Bush Buddies (previously known as Oldina BushSchool), is recommencing at Oldina this term!

New Day: Thursdays during terms 2, 3 and 4

New Time: 11-2pm. Still offered for FREE however (huge thanks to Play Group Tas and Live Well Tasmania!), donations for resources are welcome!

Families of all varieties are very welcome to attend, please contact Bec if you have any questions on 0499 359 996.

We are looking for donations of the following items for anyone who would like to support our group: art supplies, 2x camp kettles.