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With the aim of strengthening community connections, enhancing resilience, and demonstrating the viability of a local food swap system, gardener and volunteer Meg Pethybridge, along with like-minded friends, founded Alternative Living Gatherings.
“My partner and I cultivated a small suburban garden, which sparked numerous conversations with friends and colleagues interested in growing their own food,” Meg said.
“Many expressed a desire to learn more about sustainable living and to share their abundance of seeds, plants, and produce, especially as interest rates and inflation rose.”
Among those interested were friends Matt and Daina, who run the Shepparton Brewery.
After a series of discussions, the group decided that hosting an event would be a perfect way for local gardeners to connect and for newcomers to learn how to start their own gardens.
The first gathering at Shepparton Brewery was a resounding success.
“Our gatherings have doubled in size, from an average of 20 to 40 participants, and our Facebook group, Goulburn Valley Permaculture, has grown to over 100 members,” she said.
“Each gathering features a guest speaker focusing on gardening, homesteading, or permaculture, alongside a swap table filled with produce, preserves, seeds, and plants. Guest speakers also have the opportunity to sell their goods.”
Leftover produce from these gatherings is kindly donated to Shepparton FoodShare, while plants and seedlings are given to community gardens, reinforcing the spirit of sharing and sustainability.
On the group’s Facebook page, members actively share ideas and discuss gardening and related topics.
“A new member who has never managed to keep a plant alive was inspired to grow herbs by the gentle encouragement of experienced gardeners in the group,” Meg said.
“There’s certainly momentum building.
“I love the food swap, it's so interesting to try new vegie varieties that someone has lovingly grown in their home garden.
“One member always has avocados to swap. The jams, sauces, relishes and chutneys have become a hot competition, with members taste testing each other’s preserves and swapping recipes.”
The gatherings are organised seasonally, with the next one scheduled for late January.
Keep an eye on the Shepparton Brewery’s social media pages for the date.
“Together, these gatherings not only foster a love for gardening, but also create lasting friendships and a supportive community,” Meg said.
“We’re really lucky to live in a region with so much connection and community.
“Everyone should get involved and be a part of the sharing.”
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