BELLINGEN, NSW – A series of free, practical food workshops are coming to Bellingen this September, courtesy of OzGREEN. Catering to women and non-binary people over 16, the sessions will teach everything from preserving produce to growing sprouts, helping participants build skills, confidence, and community connections.
OzGREEN is excited to be hosting a series of seven free, hands-on food resilience workshops in Bellingen for women and non-binary people aged 16+ this September to November. The workshops are designed to grow practical skills and strengthen personal and household resilience in a fun and supportive environment.
Each session combines practical learning with take-home resources so that participants can continue their skills journey at home.
Upcoming Free Workshops
• Sprouts & Microgreens – Wed 3 Sep, 5:30–7:00pm, Bellingen Showground
Learn how to grow nutritious greens indoors and enjoy a delicious soup!
• Breadmaking – Thu 11 Sep, 5:30–7:00pm, Bellingen Showground
Learn to make three types of bread!
• Preserve, Ferment, Pickle & Jam – Wed 17 Sep, 5:30–7:00pm, Bellingen Showground
Learn to preserve seasonal produce and create pantry treasures!
• Rocket Stove Cooking – Wed 1 Oct, 5:30–7:00pm, Bellingen Showground
Cook two meals without electricity – ideal for blackouts or camping.
• Perennials Tour – Wed 15 Oct, 5:00–6:30pm, Bellingen Showground
Discover perennial food plants and how to cook with them.
• Pantry Power – Wed 5 Nov, 5:30–7:00pm, Bellingen Showground
Buy in bulk, set up a pantry, and make tasty meals from staples.
• Bellingen Forage Walk – Wed 19 Nov, 5:30–7:00pm, Bellingen Showground
Identify and harvest wild foods in your local area.
“These workshops are about more than just food skills – they’re about meeting new people, building confidence, and trying something new!” says Kathleen Hannah, Co-CEO, OzGREEN. “Participants will leave with new skills, new connections and the knowledge that they can provide for themselves and others in any situation.”
“I’m particularly interested in the rocket stove workshop,” says Trish Reinten, who was impacted by the recent Macksville flood. “I didn’t know they even existed! I am excited to see it in action and see how it works.”
Places are limited for workshops and registration is essential. To register, visit: www.ozgreen.org/events
In addition to these workshops, OzGREEN is also running weekly Volunteer Work Sessions on Tuesdays at its office in Bellingen, offering another pathway for community members to connect, learn, and contribute. There are two work sessions - one from 10:30am to 12:00pm and another from 12:30pm to 2:00pm - with a BYO lunch in between. Whether people can attend one session or stay for all sessions, these are a great opportunity to lend a hand, meet other volunteers, contribute to OzGREEN’s programs and build confidence and skills in a friendly, supportive environment. No prior experience is needed - just a willingness to get involved, learn something new and be part of a team making a difference. To register, visit:
www.ozgreen.org/volunteerworksessions
Discover the edible dandelion in the Bellingen Forage Walk! Every part of the dandelion is edible - from root to flower! The leaves are great in salads, the flowers can be used in fritters or tea, and the roots can be roasted for a coffee-like drink.
Microgreens & Sprouts are a great way to grow fresh, flavour-packed greens full of nutrition at home that are ready to harvest in days.