Village Round Up – Pillar Valley by Gina Lopez

Pillar Valley, NSW, is alive with initiatives that foster community connection, resilience, and food security, thanks to local projects in regenerative farming and support for local makers and growers. On Saturday, November 30, Chaffin Creek Farm will host the “Grow a Food Forest” workshop – a one-day event for those eager to learn how to cultivate regenerative food systems right at home. This small regenerative farm serves as a demonstration space, using regenerative principles like syntropic agroforestry and biodynamics to show how land can be regenerated while producing nutrient-dense food.
Participants will delve into the essentials of Syntropic Agroforestry under the guidance of Thiago Barbosa from Syntropic Solutions. The day blends theory with hands-on practice, covering principles like soil fertility, water retention, and biodiversity enhancement—essential elements for building resilient systems that require minimal management. Partially sponsored by Fire to Flourish, the event offers discounted tickets, available on Humanitix. For more details, follow Chaffin Creek Farm on social media or contact Gina at 0423 325 281.

Adding to the vibrant local scene, Tanamon Gallery will host the Pillar Valley Summer Markets on December 14 from 9am to 2pm. Following the markets, “Sets at Tanamon” music night will begin at 4:30pm with Soundcheck Sessions, and the first band will kick off around 5:30pm. The markets will feature fresh, locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and a variety of food options. This market supports local growers and artisans, offering a sustainable alternative to large-scale, monoculture, industrial food systems that are often extractive, chemically driven, and can threaten community food security. For those interested in joining—whether you’d like to have a stall, perform at the Sets Night, or have any general enquiries—please call Emma at 0416 634 774 or send a message via the Tanamon Gallery Facebook page.