‘Months to secure our future’: Inside the urgent push to save Green Connect farm
CEO Robert Servine says Green Connect has just months to secure funding, with community support and new ventures driving the farm’s determined fight for survival.
Wollongong social enterprise Green Connect says it has just four to five months to secure new funding or risk its future, following a tough year for grants and a costly split from its parent organisation.
CEO Robert Servine confirmed the not-for-profit farm is still operating thanks to a recent $96,000 community fundraiser, but the amount fell short of its $150,000 target. “It’s bought us time - probably at least four months, four or five months,” Servine said.
In April, Green Connect became an independent entity after separating from Community Resources, which made a strategic decision to focus on waste and large-scale employment opportunities.
Servine said the Lake Heights-based farm has always run at a loss, typically plugging the gap with grants.
This year has been different.
“For some reason, this year the grants situation is more difficult than usual. There's probably more nonprofits and social enterprises out there than ever before, maybe, and a bit less funding.”
He has lodged more than 20 grant applications without success so far. One funding body told him they had received seven times their usual number of applications.
The organisation’s survival plan relies on lifting revenue from vegetable box sales and farm activities to cover up to 90 per cent of operating costs.
Weekly vegetable box deliveries have grown from 140 to 170, but Servine says the target is 220, alongside a 15 per cent increase in on-farm events.
New offerings include hospitality produce packages for restaurants and a “Pick Your Produce” option for customers.
“In the next four or five months, we’re really pushing to increase our sales. I have quite a few more grants that I’ve put in, and I've had conversations with some philanthropists. There are still a lot of options that could see us continue to thrive,” Servine said.
Green Connect has also partnered with Thirroul restaurant Andie’s to provide local produce.
“We're working on a package for hospitality that's slightly different. We're trialling that with Andies. We've got a very supportive chef there, and we're going to try to perfect that so that we can roll it out to other restaurants.”
The farm employs about nine permanent part-time staff, 16 casuals and has around 50 volunteers.
“The community support is incredible, and it's one of the things that keeps us going. It's been a hard journey, but knowing the farm does so much good and there are people out there that really rely on it, keeps us going,” he said.
To help close the gap, Green Connect will hold a fundraising auction on Friday, October 10, at the Builders Club in Wollongong.
The event will be run by Manor Real Estate auctioneer Jake McKenzie, and Green Connect is still accepting auction items.
Meanwhile, those interested in receiving locally grown fruit and vegetables for their home or office can order a box here.
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There’s been scant coverage in Australia of Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard and assume control of policing in Washington DC.
The move, widely criticised as authoritarian, has been overshadowed by headlines on Australia’s recognition of Palestine and Trump-Putin peace talks. If you’re wondering what’s really happening in the U.S., this episode from The News Agents podcast is worth a listen.
Hot Ticket
Can you believe we’re already halfway through August? That means it’s time to start planning for i3net’s Annual Industry Showcase. It’s a bumper event this year, held at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach on September 9 and 10.
The Industry Showcase Dinner will be held on Tuesday, September 9, from 5.30pm.
The evening will feature industry panels, a formal dinner and networking with over 200 business leaders. It’s open to i3net members, partners and guests. Tickets are $250 + GST for members and $450 + GST for guests, with prices increasing by $50 after 18 August.
The following morning, i3net will host its Industry Showcase Breakfast: BlueScope Townhall from 7.30am.
The members-only breakfast will include a panel presentation from BlueScope senior leaders, focusing on current industry challenges and opportunities. Tickets are $120 + GST, with prices increasing by $50 after 18 August. You can register for both events here.
You can find out more about this event and others throughout August and September in our networking list.