GENERAL BUSINESS
Over the last 12 months we have seen considerable activity and progress towards our dream of Sydney’s first City Farm and we expect 2010 to be another big year. The City Farm public meetings have been successful in communicating to City Farmers and obtaining much appreciated support and energy from passionate members. The Saturday City Farm public meetings are open to all farmers and we encourage you to attend.
Sydney City Farm has established a social network on Ning.com. If you want to actively participate in one of the member committees but can’t make the public meetings go to: http://sydneycityfarm.ning.com/
We are rolling into 2010 with momentum and expect that our demand for skills and member support to grow. Please email us if you can help in any of these areas:
• Fundraising
• Communications/PR and Media
• IT and Database Management
• Business and Workforce Planning
• Community Engagement
Finally a reminder that donations over $2 to Sydney City Farm are Tax Deductible. Now is a great time to donate to help us make this City Farm a reality.
UPDATE FROM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Andrew provided an update on activities, key points were:
1. SCF committee members had a very positive meeting with Sydney City Council about possible sites.
2. The Annual Membership renewal process will shortly commence after some upgrades to the website.
3. Planning for the 2009 AGM is underway
UPDATE FROM THE SUBGROUPS
Proposal Writing Group (exploring funding ideas for the Sydney City Farm concept with a variety of donors for different aspects of the farm’s needs)
David provided an update on the proposal writing group. Over the last month a number of grant applications have been lodged to help support future activities of the City Farm. Work is also continuing to research philanthropy organisations.
The Building Community Partnerships Grant application is progressing with the Council’s assessment committee seeking further information. Verity Firth will shortly post all grant applications on her website and seek the community’s vote.
Seedling Group (exploring how we can collectively grow seedlings for the farm in advance of having a physical site).
Chris & Dave of the Seedling Group created City Farm history. Once the formal part of the Public Meeting was complete City Farmers, with sleaves rolled up, emersed their hands in soil and planted City Farm’s very first crop.
Next meeting AGM 5 December, 11 -1pm, Cane Room, Callan Park – Bring a plate for morning tea.