Q-centric
Local Food
Intention – bioregional community
My intent is to make visible ‘my place’ in order to connect with others doing positive actions in my local community in the region around Queanbeyan, NSW, Australia including:
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- our place, our water, and respect for our first peoples
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- local food systems
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- earth care
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- our wellbeing
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- community connections
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- creative communities.
Comment below kindly if you think your group should be here too.
our place, our water, and respect for our first peoples
The Queanbeyan river is over a 100 kilometres in length, spanning through the Monaro and Capital Country regions. The Queanbeyan River is a tributary of the Molonglo River and part of Murray-Darling Basin. The river is 70 kilometres in length and the river catchment is 96,000 hectares in size. The Queanbeyan River is one of two rivers—the Cotter River is the other—that meet the water supply needs of the Canberra and Queanbeyan region and whose water quality is specifically protected under Federal legislation.
The first nations peoples of this land, the Ngunawal people (or Ngunawal, as it is spelt by some), the Ngambri and the Ngarigu, are said to have used the word ‘queanbean’, meaning ‘clear water’, to describe the river.
I pay my respects to all first nations people in this region, past, present and future.
QPRC CBD Master plan – it’s up to us how this grows.
Walking around – https://www.alltrails.com/australia/new-south-wales/queanbeyan
Our Local Food Systems
Sourcing food grown locally, distributed by local organisations and businesses
Southern Harvest is a farmer led, member organisation focused on growing local and regional food communities in the ACT and South East NSW. The purpose of the Association is “to foster the sustainable growth and availability of local produce within the Southern Harvest region” through market opportunities, education, networking and advocacy. SHA run the Saturday Bungendore Southern Harvest Farmers Market and local produce box offers.
A community owned-and-run bulk grocery store and cafe, events venue and community hub located in central Canberra. I recommend the lunches, the friendly cooperative volunteers, the teas, the bulk raw chocolate, dried vegetable chips and the fresh fruit and veges of course.
A co-operative formed to provide access to land for farmers in the Canberra Region. The Soil City Farms Co-operative is building a network of farmers, landholders, other food sector workers, customers and allied organisations to produce as much local food as possible for the Canberra region. Find out more on Co-canberra projects site –
A network of urban food growers and local farmers working cooperatively to protect our abundant, common heritage of open-pollinated food seeds.
Seed savers is a co-operative that swaps and shares seeds, learn and teach about seed growing and saving, and together build a resilient community seed sharing network – a ‘living seed bank’.
Earth Care
Queanbeyan Landcare
Queanbeyan Landcare’s objectives are to carry out environmental improvement projects within the broader Queanbeyan region, with the primary aim of restoring and enhancing the ecological resources of the region and in so doing, directly involve community. Latest Projects
Community Toolbox and Repair Cafe
https://www.communitytoolboxcbr.org/
We are your tool & equipment library
– borrow things – reduce consumption –
– make & do amazing things.
The Mulloon Institute
TMI is a not for profit, research, education and advocacy organisation. It is recognised globally as a demonstrator of sustainable agriculture and environmental regeneration through landscape rehydration and restoration.
Our people
Local Legends
QPRC Council – our local representatives
Community Links (QPRC) including a guide for new residents
Our Wellbeing
Queanbeyan Sustainability Group
Queanbeyan Sustainability Group (QSG) Inc is a community not-for-profit organisation. Our aim is to promote and facilitate community action that reduces our region’s ecological footprint, builds stronger social connections and strengthens our local economy for the benefit of our community and the environment that supports it.
QSG manages Railway Park Organic Community Garden in Henderson Rd, Queanbeyan.
Wildcare Queanbeyan
Wildcare is licenced (and regulated) by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to rescue and rehabilitate injured and sick native wildlife over 22,000 square kilometres of south-eastern NSW. Wildcare is a registered charity and donations are fully tax deductible.
Community Connections
Facebook Groups
Queanbeyan West Community Share
Queanbeyan micro-forest
A community group aiming to grow a micro or small forest in QPRC approved sites. Support the microforest project in Queanbeyan Blackall Park. We got funding so it’s a go!! Workshops and consultation is now happening.
permaculture canberra
A supportive group of local permies. Seasonal picnics are hosted. Permablitz’ can be self-organised and promoted on the grouop page.
Canberra Region Retrosuburbia
A self organising group interested in retrofitting the suburbs, homes and life.
The Urban Homesteading Club (Canberra & Surrounds)
This is a group for people into sustainable lifestyles who live in Canberra (and nearby surrounding areas). A very supportive network.
Other resources
Jimble
Jimble is a local community web platform that connects users based on their shared interests. Jimble was created to help strengthen social fabric by connecting people within their local areas. Jimble also supports local small businesses and markets, as well as local community initiatives.
Our library – let’s use and enjoy it!
https://library.qprc.nsw.gov.au/About-Us/Queanbeyan-library
Edible Commons
Verge Gardening – a great way to get to know your neighbours and share some food.
QPRC Street Verge Maintenance Policy includes the guidelines and rules.
Herb gardens in public parks
https://www.qprc.nsw.gov.au/Facilities-Recreation/Parks-Playgrounds-Sportsgrounds/Waniassa-Park
NENA Canberra Regional Hub
The NENA Canberra Regional Hub has been created to build connections between people in Canberra and the areas surrounding the ACT, who are interested in building a new economy. Part of New Economy Network (NENA) Australia which also supports Co-Canberra. CoCanberra has two active co-op building projects:
- The Pre Power Renewable Energy Co-operative System
- Soil City Co-operative Farms.
SEE Change
Our vision is to create a fair and sustainable Canberra through community connection.
[It is possible to start a Queanbeyan hub of SEE Change with a proactive team]
Canberra City Farm –
Just a short bus ride or pedal away on Dairy Road in Fyshwick
Worth having a look for the older plantings – grapes, fruit orchard, has allotments and a few community group hubs. Great open days for family outings.
This page has a local region food map
This is the home page
Patchwork urban farms
https://www.facebook.com/patchworkurbanfarm/
We are a community oriented urban farm based in Canberra, using donated yard and verge spaces.
– CSA produce boxes and more
Creative Community
The Queanbeyan Hive
The Queanbeyan Hive’s mission is to provide a wonderful space/platform that will support and foster people and businesses that share our core values. We believe in creating a sense of belonging and a positive experience. We believe that community flourishes from the generosity of spirit and love, compassion and respect for all the people therein and also the environment that sustains them.
Check out The Queanbeyan Hive website – for gallery exhibitions, markets, live music events with local musos and workshops.
Queanbeyan Buzz newslettter
Queanbeyan Markets
Lots of home made stalls, upcycled, recycled, pre-loved and children stalls, plus food and fresh coffee.
Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival
A lovely day out showcasing our community diversity and talent.
Solar punk – at the intersection of humans, technology and nature – imagine a positive future and express your vision and ideas creatively
Workshops by arrangement – Contact WorkSmith