In Conversation - Community with Phil Lavers, Danielle Alvarez and Ronni Kahn Saturday 10 August

Saturday 10 August

The mission of Moonacres School for 2024 and beyond is to provide educational and inspirational learning opportunities that supports Moonacres Farm and its commitment to soil health, sustainable farming and regenerative agriculture and the health and wellbeing of our people and planet.

In this "In Conversation" we are talking with Phil Lavers owner of Moonacres Farm, Danielle Alvarez Culinary Director at the Sydney Opera House and Ronni Kahn Founder of OzHarvest and we are talking the power of community.

Here at Moonacres we are big believers in the power of food – not just to nourish us, but to bring us together, and importantly, to connect us with the planet we call home. Now, more than ever, community is at the heart of making a real difference to the health of our planet and, in turn, our own health.

Every single choice we make about what we eat, where we get it from, and how it's produced has a direct impact on our environment. That's why it's so crucial we come together as a village, as a community, to make those choices count.

Healthy soil is the foundation for healthy food. It's where all our veggies, fruits, and grains start their journey to our plate. But it's in a bit of a crisis. Overuse of chemicals and poor farming practices are damaging this precious resource. But here's where the power of community kicks in. Imagine if we all supported local, organic farmers who look after their soil, or even got stuck in with community gardening projects. We'd be taking huge steps towards reviving our land and making it more fertile for future generations.

Then there's the food itself. Cooking and eating together as a community can be a powerful thing. It's not just about sharing a meal; it's about sharing knowledge, traditions, and skills. By choosing local, seasonal produce, we're not only getting the freshest, tastiest food, but we're also cutting down on food miles and supporting the local economy. It's a win-win.

But it doesn't stop there. Our food choices have the power to combat climate change. By reducing food waste, eating more plants, and less but better-quality meat, we're taking a stand. And when we do this as a community, we amplify our impact. Initiatives like community fridges, food sharing schemes, and educational workshops can help spread the word and make sustainable eating the norm, not the exception.

So, what's the takeaway?

When we come together as a community, we're not just individuals trying to make a difference; we're a force to be reckoned with. It's about looking out for each other, for our planet, and making choices that benefit us all. From the soil to our plates, every step we take together towards more sustainable, thoughtful practices is a step towards a healthier planet and
healthier people.

Remember, every one of us has the power to make a difference. And when we join forces as a community, there's no telling what we can achieve.

Our Guest Speakers

Ronni Kahn AO Founder and CEO of food rescue charity OzHarvest.

Ronni is a social entrepreneur and a passionate advocate and activist, renowned for disrupting the food waste landscape in Australia. She appears regularly in national media, serves in an advisory capacity to government and is a sought-after keynote speaker. Her mission to fight food waste and feed hungry people is supported by some of the world's finest chefs. Ronni
is an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and was named Australian Local Hero of the Year. Her journey is the subject of a feature film, Food Fighter* and her memoir, A Repurposed Life.

Danielle Alvarez, chef, author and Culinary Director of the Sydney Opera House

Danielle is one of Australia's most celebrated female chefs and was at the helm of Fred's in Paddington for six years where she achieved numerous accolades. In October 2023, she published her second cookbook, Recipes for a Lifetime of Beautiful Cooking, and is a regular contributor to Good Weekend Magazine.

Phil Lavers owner and farmer of Moonacres Farm. 

He and wife Lisa set about creating a farm to produce the best produce possible and that meant it would be organic and follow sustainable ethical practices. Despite some trials and failures Moonacres is now thriving. The Farm supplies some of Sydney's and regional NSW's best restaurants including Icebergs, Lankan Filling Station, ANTE, Fred's, Fontana and Firedoor, sells
at several markets in the Southern Highlands, and of course provides farm fresh food to its own cafés, Moonacres Kitchen and Hearth by Moonacres as well as our school in Robertson.  Phil runs Moonacres as a working example of the future of farming and is a fierce advocate for the protection of the land. He is featured in the book of Soil to Table
by The Land Gardeners.

The conversation will commence at 2:00pm with homemade treats cooked at the school, teas from Pachamama and conclude with more delicious food fresh from Moonacres farm, Hearth and Kitchen.

Phil, Dani, Ronni and the team at Moonacres look forward to seeing you for this incredibly important conversation.