Care4esK is a community group of dedicated volunteers based in the Somerset Region. They collaborate with multiple agencies, including Queensland Universities and First Nations groups, to research local Koala and Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby populations. This research enables a broader understanding of these Threatened and Endangered species. Care4esK is also part of a network of wildlife rescuers, aiding in the rescue and transport of sick and injured Koalas at all hours of the day and night. Our precious wildlife is being impacted in many ways. Creating a greater awareness and understanding is the key to securing a future for these species.
He has the perfect name for it and, fortunately, he has the enthusiasm to match. Paul Plant’s experience as editor and owner of Sub Tropical Gardening magazine is backed by his various roles on regional radio as gardening presenter which in turn is backed by his career as a horticulturalist. Currently he is Garden Talkback Presenter at 4BC Brisbane. Paul, a Registered Horticulturist is recognised as one of the most influential garden people in Australia. Paul loves to share his knowledge and passion about gardening. He is one of eight people in Australia recognised in the 2016 book by Dr Anne Vale ‘Influential Australian Garden People’.
Kate is a gardening coach based in Brisbane, whose mission is to empower gardeners to create their own dream gardens; gardens which are beautiful, sustainable, and personal. Kate’s career changed from environmental science to professional gardening after the 2011 floods in which her own local community was severely affected. Her volunteer efforts to restore flooded gardens saw her earn several awards including a prestigious “Ray Phippard Fellowship” from the Lions International. Kate is the author of three popular gardening books: Working With Weeds; a practical guide to understanding, using and managing weeds, Earth Repair Gardening; The lazy gardener’s guide to saving the Earth, and Gardening After A Flood.
Claire is well known for her enthusiastic presenting, writing, broadcasting, and educating on her favourite topics; gardening, chooks, children and all things related to sustainability and nature. She has written for many publications and companies over the years. Claire is a regular presenter of gardening and sustainability topics on ABC Radio Brisbane. On her 2acre garden in the western suburbs of Brisbane Claire takes pleasure in creating, enjoying, and working her eclectic productive yet ornamental garden for herself, husband and 3 children. This is all combined to blend in with the surrounding native habitat. And there is of course her collection of various poultry, from chooks to ducks, plus geese and turkeys.
Farm to fork cooking demos with award winning chef Jason Peppler. Jason will be creating healthy inspiring dishes showcasing Brisbane Valley Farm Directs locally produced meat & poultry and a delicious assortment of locally grown, made or produced products. Demonstrations will run from 9am till 2pm throughout the day and include tastings, product presentations and information on preparing and using local products.
Jason Peppler has over 30 years' experience from owning his own fine dining restaurant to feeding hungry workers in stock yards. Before joining the Brisbane Valley Farm Direct team, Jason was the head executive chef for The Victoria Park Golf Course for nearly a decade.
Our meet The maker demonstrations features an opportunity to meet the artists, and experience the unique chance to see them working live, this year we feature the dynamic Artist Julie Ross from The Rusty Rose. Julie will be showing visitors how she builds her sculptures using her own hand-building techniques to create her unique artwork made from recycled corrugated iron and wire.
Happy kids mean happy parents, and we’re bringing happiness in droves with FREE kids face painting. There’s no need to leave the kids at home bring the little gardeners along, fuel their imaginations, and make the Esk Garden Fair an exciting experience for the whole family. Whether they want some pretty flowers or a spider, our talented face painter Wendy will be providing Free Garden themed face painting all day.
Amongst the big gums at Shady Trees food court, you will find an immersive, sensory garden installation inspired by the healing properties of plants. The installation is made from recycled fabric and yarn by the Somerset community, in collaboration with Somerset the Condensery - Somerset Regional Art Gallery and the internationally renowned Japanese-Australian artist Hiromi Tango. Visitors are encouraged to help add to the display, all materials provided, this is a beginner and child-friendly experience promises to be both creative and therapeutic. Healing Garden is an initiative of The Condensery, owned and operated by Somerset Regional Council. The project was made possible thanks to the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, provided through Regional Arts Australia, administered in Queensland by Flying Arts Alliance. Photograph by Jim Filmer
Indulge in local food, Sit and relax in our serene outdoor ambiance and listen to timeless tunes from Lisa Taylor and Tom Deans.