By Jessica Anstice
The United African Farm community and broader community soaked up the live music and entertainment, and celebrated local produce at the Harvest Festival in Longwarry North on Saturday.
Guests including Cardinia Shire Council mayor Graeme Moore supported by councillor Jeff Springfield, as well as Bass Labor MP Jordan Crugnale, a councillor from Baw Baw Shire Council and of course, United African Farm organisers Queyea Tuazama and Ajak Thuch made a special appearance on the day.
“The Harvest Festival went great. We had about 30 to 50 people there which was fantastic,” Cardinia Food Circles project community engagement coordinator Max Godber said.
“A couple of months ago we planted seedlings of lettuces, kales and a crop that is very familiar with the African community called Collard greens.
“On Saturday people were asked to pick their own crops and pay what they felt the value of the crop was. The organisers decided to offer that flexible price so that everyone could afford to take something home.”
The Harvest Festival was the third celebration organised by the United African Farm community.
“The highlight of day was Queyea’s speech. To thank everyone she broke out into song and all the Africans joined her,” Mr Godber said.
“Singing out in the field is a common thing to experience when you’re working out on the farm with them.
“It was definitely the most successful event they’ve ran so far.”
At each United African Farm event traditional African food is prepared and offered to all visitors.
“They (United African Farm) really want everyone from the community to feel welcome there. Especially Queyea,” he said.
“She has such a vision to foster that reconnection to the land with our youths.
“She hopes to see collaborations like this sprite across the entire state so that people from all backgrounds can have the opportunity to grow the food that they are most familiar with.”
The project was only made possible thanks to collaboration with the Longwarry North farm (CSM Organics), as well as with Pakenham Secondary College and Cardinia Food Circle project.
