As many farm supporters and members know, the farm has undergone an extensive review of our staffing structure and how we best adapt to the challenges we face from climate change and the challenging economic environment where the impact on the Farm has seen a decline in volunteers and in farming activities.
The farm has moved to a two-manager structure. The Enterprise and Support Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the development of the Farm’s enterprises and events and providing support services to the whole Farm. The MC wishes to congratulate Simon Calcinai as the successful applicant for this role. Simon has a long history with the Farm and has made significant contributions in several areas including as the Farm’s Market Coordinator.
The Education and Farming Manager’s role is to oversee and coordinate all education programs provided by NSCF and manages all gardens, orchards, bush revegetation, animal systems, buildings, grounds, and infrastructure on the farm site. The MC wishes to congratulate Emma Brindal as the successful applicant for this role. Emma also has a long history with the farm and has made significant contributions in several areas including as the farm’s Youth Education Coordinator.
A big thank you to the other excellent applicants for these positions and we hope that some of you will find other pathways to be involved at Northey Street City Farm.
Belinda Kau has been doing a great job as our temporary Nursery coordinator. It looked like turning into a permanent job for her, but she has indicated that now is the time to step back and get a permanent Nursery Coordinator. The farm is very grateful for her dedication and hard work in this role. Belinda has been around the farm for a very long time, and she will still be active in a number of other roles around the Farm.
We wish to thank Neale McAlpine for his work as the acting Farm Manager and he seems pleased that he will now be able to focus on his role as the Site Coordinator in which he has been a tireless contributor getting the farm back on its feet after the damaging floods and impacts of Covid.
Our longest-term staff member has finally decided to step into retirement. Ronni Martin has been an anchor of support and continuity at the Farm for just over 10 years. She will be officially resigning her position as the Education and Support Manager this week. We will all miss her greatly, but she assures us that after some well earnt time to herself, she will continue to take an interest in future farm activities.
Another big persona in the contributions made to the Farm is moving into an early retirement. A big thank you and best wishes to Karen Lavin who will be leaving us in late March.
Albert (MC Acting Secretary)
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