Dear all,
We’d like to thank you once again for attending the launch of the United African Farm (UAF) on Saturday 12th February 2022.
It’s a day to remember for our community, the turnout was simply amazing. The team who have played an integral part in the past 5 months – organising behind the scenes, were themselves inspired seeing people leaving with full bags and hearty smiles.
It’s a vision of what this farm will become – a hub of food, culture and identity. This is what we saw as we planned and planted.
In the last month, we’ve continued said planning and planting – eagerly awaiting our next harvest festival, and another opportunity to reconnect with all those who attended the launch.
We’d like to thank the federal member for La Trobe, the Honourable Jason Wood MP, state member for Bass Jordan Crugnale MP, Deputy Mayor Councillor Tammy Radford and Uncle Shane Clarke for their attendance and support on the day. Your presence lifted our spirit!
It’s encouraging to see that we have the support of all levels of government and community behind the farm. We were indeed a united nation.
To members of the UAF working groups, what an effort! You have brought the nations together and have spread your wings widely across this beautiful land.
To our family from Food Next Door Co-op Mildura (who drove a 14 hour return trip), we can’t thank you enough. We were deeply moved by your presence, and are so grateful for your levels of love, commitment and support. Thank you for joining us in our journey.
Without the effort of our volunteers, the launch would have been a shadow of what it was. We thank our wonderful volunteers from the Sikh Temple Officer Gurudwara, Rotary Club Garfield, the coffee van and all the volunteers, once again! It was truly in the spirit of Ubuntu to have you standing side-by-side with us. We were because you were with us.
We’d also like to extend our thanks to our partners, without your support – financial or otherwise, the farm would not be where it is today.
We thank Berwick Volkswagen, Clenergy, Cardinia Shire Council, Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY), the South Sudanese community support group, Sustain – the Australian food network, Sue and David Young for their generosity, the Monash Health team – EACH, Living and Learning Pakenham, Flourish, Cardinia Food Movement and all the community members that stood beside us.
Thank you!
To the community member who donated a greenhouse on the day, we are deeply honoured. You have poured such love into us, and this initiative grows because of it.
Community is the bedrock of our organisation, and to see so many out in force is a testament to the power of this space. We look forward to inviting you – and others in the community to future events on the farm!
From our families to yours,
We thank you all! To the future, @PhotobyJulian
