The
Good Life
‘Lavender’ © Millie Hartigan
It wouldn’t be Fathers’ Day without some Stone & Wood
Everything is in bloom at Jumping Red Ant
Do you know what your dad wants for Fathers’ Day? Stone & Wood Brewing reckon they have a few good ideas to help you out. Fathers’ Day is coming up on Sunday 6 September, and this year Stone & Wood Brewing have made gifting dad easier than ever by brewing and bundling great beery gift packs right here in the brewery. They’ve got him covered; with everything from their Lager-Loving Dad Bundle, which includes a six-pack of Green Coast Lager, a pair of Green Coast Lager socks and a Stone & Wood coldie holdie – made from sustainably sourced wetsuit offcuts, to the Dad’s Pub in a Box, which includes any Stone & Wood carton, a two-pack of Stone & Wood glassware, a Stone & Wood bar mat and a 75g bag of Brookfarm Entertainer Brothers Blend nuts. Another great gift idea is a Beer
Story Kate O’Neill
Club Membership which includes a Beer Club Welcome Pack, three limited releases, and access to exclusive video content. Stone & Wood want to say, ‘Cheers to all the dads, carers, grandfathers and single mums out there, and a big shout-out to those at Stone & Wood, too – we couldn’t do it without you guys! Thanks for supporting independent Australian brewing this Fathers’ Day.
Did you know, more than half of all cut flowers sold in Australia are imported? For roses, the figure could be closer to 90 per cent, according to a recent ABC report. Local grower, Briana Atkin of the Duranbah vegetable and flower Flower farmer Briana Atkins of Jumping Red Ant. farm, Jumping Red Ant, says she finds it really sad. ‘The quality of our local African and Australian natives – that will be on flowers is so much better’. The good news is, like our food, there’s a shift the stall at New Brighton and Mullumbimby Farmers Markets. happening in the flower industry towards local ‘We planted in 2017 – they take two to three and sustainable. years to start flowering, and now the first Currently the demand for local cut flowers generation are just starting to come out in full at the farmers markets has been particularly force.’ strong says Briana. ‘People are keen to support Also coming up on the stall is a flush of spring local business, as well as bringing some beauty roses ‘They’ve just been cut back so they’re into their lives during a tough time. Flowers make people happy. Customers also appreciate fresh from new bushes. They’re at their best at this time of year. The head size is huge, and the the longevity of local flowers. People come up cooler weather means the colour is popping.’ to me and say “I’ve still got your roses – they’ve Other varieties on the stall in spring will be been there for three weeks!”.’ ranunculus, which come in a stunning palette As we head into spring it’s boom time for of bold and vivid colours, anemones and pretty, local blooms, and Briana is really excited about delicate straw flowers. ‘The stall is going to look a new selection of striking proteas – South amazing.’
Farmers market comes to the fore There was a time when the local farmers market was as much about social interaction as it was a source for fresh local produce. Friends would chill out together on bean-bags in the sun while they sipped chai and listened to local musicians before doing the rounds and filling their baskets with seasonal fruit and vegetables and other locally produced goodies. But when COVID-19 hit, the farmers market was forced to change and adapt in order to remain open. Gone were the communal relaxation areas and food sampling, and in their place came hand-washing and sanitising stations and social distancing. Now, more than five months down the track, the pandemic has highlighted the resilience of our farmers markets and our community, and the importance of having a reliable local food source in a safe outdoor environment. Byron Farmers Market manager, Tom Carey, says that while it was a challenging time in the early days, as people – both stallholders and customers – adjusted to the new health and safety guidelines, everyone has been cooperative and appreciative that the farmers markets have remained open. ‘In fact, it has really shown that people feel a lot more comfortable coming to the farmers market where they can shop outside in the fresh air and sunshine. And while the communal seating areas are no longer available, there is still social interaction when people shop or wait in line – albeit from 1.5m away. It’s just the new norm for the moment.’
Angie Wilton from Scratch Patisserie keeping COVID Safe at Byron Farmers Market. Photo Tree Faerie. Unlike some supermarkets, which have been depleted of certain foods as a result of panic buying, local farmers turn up every Thursday – week in and week out – with fresh supplies of seasonal produce. ‘These past few months have really proven how valuable our local food security is,’ says Mr Carey. The Byron Farmers Market is held every Thursday 7am–11am at the Cavanbah Centre, and every Saturday morning 7–11am behind the Bangalow Pub.
NEW MENU! Loft is back with an incredible new menu designed by our new Head Chef, Craig Mcfarland. A share-style menu featuring snacks & nibbles, deli boards as well as an array of larger main dishes. Perfect with a cocktail or wine. Open every day from 4pm - Late
Happy Hour - 4PM - 6PM EVERY DAY -
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