CLOSE CREATIVE GRANTS Artist Jacqui Garcia of Leiluca Ceramics
The Growing Popularity of Newcastle City Farmers Markets
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Regardless of the weather, there’s one Sunday activity that’s always there for us in Newcastle – Newcastle City Farmers Markets! Admittedly more comfortable on a sunny Sunday, a trip to Newcastle Showgrounds on any given Sunday is still a great way to spend a few hours strolling through stalls filled with fresh, quality and well-priced produce. Today, Newcastle City Farmers Markets is a staple event of any foodie's weekend. Not only will you find the best local produce all in one place, but it’s the most sustainable way to support your local producers and get straight to the source with a unique opportunity to interact directly with farmers, producers and artisans. Where else but at ‘The Farmers’ can you buy groceries direct from the farmer – from the person who grew, nurtured and made the product. At the weekly farmers market, you not only get to meet the maker and the farmer, but you can also ask about how and where it’s grown or made, how best to store or use it. It’s an experience that cannot easily be replicated anywhere else. As more people become aware of the societal and environmental benefits of buying food closer to its source, farmers' markets are also providing an essential
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link between rural and urban communities and promoting sustainable food choices. Many consumers are turning to farmers' markets to find a greater range of fresh food including organic, free-range and heirloom produce. But it's not just fresh fruit and veggies on offer. Not only can you stock up the pantry with locally sourced fresh produce, but you can also indulge in a delicious market lunch from one of the many food trucks. Taste wines from boutique wineries, gourmet sauces, jams and chutneys, freshly baked organic bread, handmade pasta, organic eggs and fruit and of course fresh meats and seafood. Also available are artisan stalls selling the Hunter's best range of quality goods, from clothing made from vintage material, jewellery makers, hand-made wooden toys and painters. “There is something for everyone and a great deal of fun and a good way to keep in touch with the local community while picking up a great deal at the same time,” said Kevin Eade, founder of Newcastle City Farmers Markets. “Customers are drawn to our farmers’ markets for four main reasons, and that is to support local producers, better quality food and products, better prices, and a great social atmosphere.” Extra precautions are now in place to ensure the safety of stallholders, patrons and staff and include no tastings enhanced cleaning and hand sanitiser will be supplied throughout the market with markets on 17, 24 and 31 May and also every Sunday in June. For more information about the markets, visit www.newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au. See you on Sunday!
Lake Mac Invests in CREATIVITY During Time of Crisis
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Lake Macquarie artists have been given the opportunity to receive grants of up to $2,500 in a Council program aimed at supporting the City’s creative community during COVID-19. Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the grants, worth a total of $11,500, recognised the importance of strengthening the City’s cultural and creative industries. “COVID-19 has caused uncertainty and posed challenges for many of our local artists,” Ms Hemsley said. “This funding program aims to provide support and inspire their creativity.” “It’s an opportunity for innovation and
for people to think about the contribution the arts make to society, whatever else is happening in the world.” Applicants can apply for the second round of grants within five categories: Research and Development, Creative Presentation, Emerging Musician and Creative Professional Development. Council awarded $13,500 last week in first-round grants to 10 local applicants. Among last week’s grant recipients was local creative Alexandra Mangano, who will use the funding to help develop SILLY-YAK, a children’s book that lends a voice to young people with coeliac disease. For Ms Mangano, the grant is a helping hand in realising her creative vision. "It is such an amazing opportunity to get support from Lake Macquarie City Council to grow my creative project,” she said. Help with applications is available by contacting culturalprojects@lakemac.nsw. gov.au, or by calling 02 4921 0333. To submit your application, go to www.lakemac.smartygrants.com. Applications for the second round of grants close at 5pm Monday 25 May.
