The Phillip Island Community Orchard celebrates its 10th anniversary on October 29. The celebration from 10am – 3pm includes guest speakers such as local beekeeper Gary Morton.
A major event to celebrate the Phillip Island Community Orchard’s (PICO) 10th Anniversary will be held on Sunday October 29.
The celebration at the Wimbledon Heights property will run from 10am –3pm.
The now well-established orchard has come a long way since its inception in 2013 with over 100 fruit and nut trees, shrubs and vines growing organically on the one hectare block, thriving on Class A recycled water provided by Westernport Water.
“It's amazing to see what local volunteers can do when we work together,” says founding member and current Vice President, Lars Olsen.
“It was hard to imagine the orchard in its current thriving state when we first started digging holes, running irrigation and planting trees. I am so proud of all that’s been achieved.”
The 10th Anniversary celebrations, kindly sponsored by Bass Coast Shire Council and Westernport Water, will kick off at 10am with official proceedings and welcome by the Orchard’s President, a
Westernport Water spokesperson and Bass Coast Shire’s Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan, followed by a tree planting by founding members.
A feature of the day will be the four guest speakers, whose specialist topics will be a drawcard for many:
- Tim Sansom, CEO of the Diggers Club Foundation;
- Craig Castree, edible gardens guru;
- Jude Mayall of Outback Chef fame; and
- Local beekeeper, Gary Morton.
The talks are free to attend, but bookings are requested through Humanitix to ensure a seat on the day.
The speakers will be under cover in case of rain – though usually not a problem amongst the hardy gardening fraternity!
Other highlights on the day will include performances by local musicians, Travis Thompson from 11am to 1pm and the Bass Coast Pickers from 1pm – 3pm who will keep the fun vibes rolling in the picnic area.
PICO will be providing wholesome hot foods, fresh seafood, vegetarian and salad options, delicious connoisseur cordial drinks, fresh homemade cakes and slices to eat on the day along with Mamacita’s Coffee Van for hot drinks.
PICO will also have a homemade and fresh produce stall stocking all manner of pickles, preserves, potions and potted plants – many made from the orchard’s own produce.
Westernport Water will be attending with their Hydration and Information Station as well – so bring your refillable water bottles along.
Entry on the day will be by gold coin donation.
We encourage people to ride their bikes but parking will be available in Hallway Drive or Ventnor Beach Road with a drop-off point for the disabled just inside the PICO driveway gates.
A fundraising raffle with nine great prizes donated by local businesses will be drawn on the day. Tickets are currently available from Anerie Store and Café in Silverleaves, Phillip Island.
For more information, please go to islandorchard.wordpress.com or visit www.facebook.com/islandorchard.
To book tickets for the talks go to events.humanitix.com/tours/pico-10th-anniversary-celebration (Donations are accepted).
