It’s status quo as far as the executive committee goes, with the same people fronting up to lead the committee which supports a range of Landcare and natural resource groups across the region. 

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Saturday’s market was particularly busy, given the season. Landcare coordinator and project manager Mandy Craig said it’s a struggle to fit all the stalls inside the hall. She’s looking forward to spring when the warmer weather will encourage more stallholders to venture outside, and new crops come online.

She said given the security of the ongoing markets she’s confident growers already have crops in the ground with a view to using the markets as their outlet. She said the balance of farmers versus producers is about even, and it’s great that people can now stock up on the basics at the Saturday outing.

She’s love to see a dairy offering, although appreciates it’s a challenge given the legalities. High on her wishlist is someone offering juice squeezed to order.

The market grew out of producer workshops coordinated by Granite Borders Landcare who will continue to provide administration, insurance and setup duties. A meeting of regular stallholders will be convened in November, however, with the aim of establishing a small committee to be on the ground to collect fees and possibly organise a cleanup roster.

The venture is not yet in a position to pay wages, so it has to be a voluntary effort.

Mrs Craig said it’s worked out well that the market doesn’t operate on the first Saturday of each month as it gives stallholders a regular weekend off to attend to other responsibilities.

“Every week would be too onerous,” she said.

The market is just one project the group has overseen this year, albeit a high profile one. Mss Craig manages the wild dog program north of the border on behalf of the Southern Downs Regional Council.

Training is a big component of GBLC’s operations with up to two events a week in recent months. Three grants through Landcare, for instance, funded six permaculture workshops covering a range of different topics.

GBLC also coordinates access to the Trees on Small Farms project, in conjunction with Northern Tablelands Local Land Services. Another current supported project is managing Cats Claw Creeper in the Timbarra River area, where 18 landholders are cooperating to control the weed over a 428 hectare area.

Among GBLC’s responsibilities is seeking grant funding for member projects, and the body has just secured a Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) grant to establish a Drake permaculture group to host workshops.

There will be another Facebook workshop – Taking your Facebook page to the next level – to explain how to make Facebook business-friendly. It’s on at the TAFE on Saturday, August 25 following the market, from 12.30-5pm.

A weeds workshop is coming up on August 31 from 5.30-7.30pm at the Martin Street office, with advice on turning weeds into fertiliser or even eating them, and how to determine the soil health by observing weed presence.

A three-day furskin tanning training course using organic materials (BYO skins) is also on at the GBLC office from September 26-28.

Call GBLC on (02) 6736 3500 or email mandy@gblc.org.au to RSVP to any of these workshops.

Ms Craig said a number of funding avenues have opened up now, so she welcomes any project ideas and can help with grant applications. A workshop on home butchery is one that’s been suggested.

It costs $10 for lifetime membership to GBLC, with benefits including a monthly eNews newsletter, member discounts for GBLC events and early-bird information on funding, workshops and other opportunities.