HISTORY:  The North Brisbane Seed Saver Network was formed in 2003 until moving to Hervey Bay, Qld, in July of 2006.  In September of 2006, the Hervey Bay Seed Savers Network was formed.  There was very keen interest and a few meetings before work commitments prevented any further activity until May of 2009, when the Fraser Coast Sub-Tropical Fruit Club discussed the advantages of having a seed bank.  Soon after, Transition Town Hervey Bay was aiming for a seed network in the area.  With work commitments no longer applicable, it was full steam ahead finally with the network in developing a bank for these groups and the area in general.  Initially jt was a one man band, but now has the help of a small group of very passionate gardeners who love to gather over a cuppa and morning tea to clean and package seeds.  We are all learning, and believe we will never stop learning about the wonders of the seed. 

The Hervey Bay Seedsavers Network works with both the above groups but can be accessed by the general public.

Both these groups are passionate about promoting the growing of our own foodstuffs and an important part of this is having locally grown seed to ensure strong pest and disease resistant plants, minimising the use of chemicals.

The Fraser Coast sub-tropical fruit club consists of a large group of people from many different countries and cultures with a similar interest in gardening and growing fruit trees.  Because of the diversity of members, we have access to so much more information;  not only about growing plants but how to cook with many different products not available from regular outlets.  If you don't want to spend your time just eating what the retailers think you should be buying to improve their bottom line, then you have the opportunity to join us not only to grow great fruit and vegetables that you have never had the opportunity to try, but to have support with all aspects of growing and preparing your produce.

There are literally thousands of different fruit and vegetables out there but only a select few ever find their way to the supermarkets, many times because they would cut into profits if people knew about them.  One such item is a perennial capsicum.  Imagine having a capsicum bush that lives forever and fruits all year, is easy to grow and not fussy about how you treat it.  Too good to be true?  Well there are lots of fruits and vegetables like this.  Growing your produce is not hard.

The Fraser Coast sub-tropical fruit club is a very social group with a get together every two months at different venues.  Meetings consist of morning tea, an orchard walk, lunch, question time, raffles, plant auction, afternoon tea with food and fruit tasting.  It is a fantastic learning experience at every get together. 

Members are from all walks of life, of all ages and from all sorts of properties, farms, orchards, suburban blocks and container growing.  For $25 per year, per couple, or $15 per single, you receive six newsletters in the mail, meet lots of interesting people, discounted bus tours to nurseries and inspiring properties, cooking demonstrations and social get togethers.  The range of knowledge amongst members is tremendous, with some specialising in biodynamics, others in organics and others in grafting etc.

Contact details for further information on where and when the next gathering is, can be found at our website.   Just click on the link where it says Fraser Coast Sub-tropical Fruit Club below.  Contact the Transition Town Gardeners at hbseedsavers@hotmail.com  for more information on this fantastic group.

The Seedsavers network for Hervey Bay also works within Transition Town Hervey Bay.  It is the aim of Hervey Bay to lower our carbon output.  One way of doing this is to encourage the residents to grow their own food.  Sometimes the biggest barrier is access to local seeds for strong crops and the know how on growing them.  It is hoped through the community garden, to inspire and encourage those that are keen to take on the carbon diet in growing their own food and KEEPING IT LOCAL.  More inspiring and important information can be found on the low carbon diet for Hervey Bay at  http://www.transitionfrasercoast.org.au/  A small group of "Cottage" gardeners work at 16 Peter's Lane, Pialba (Hervey Bay) on designated days.  Membership for this group is presently $10 for the year.  See their newsletter for dates.  (Available at the website.)

 Back in March, 2010, Transition Town invited Jerry Coleby-Williams, from ABC Gardening Australia, to speak on sustainability and what could be done in our own backyards.  It was a very inspiring talk.

It is not necessary to be a member of either of these two groups to access the bank.  At the moment, the seed bank is only accessible when these two groups have their get togethers, either at "the Cottage" in Peter's Lane, Pialba.  Times are normally available through the newsletter available at http://www.transitionfrasercoast.org.au under the gardener's tab.  For meeting times and place for the Fraser Coast Sub-Tropical Fruit Club, visit https://sites.google.com/site/frasercoastsubtropicalfruits/    At present, the Transition Town Gardeners are moving to a new premises.  Please give them a couple of months grace for newsletters.  Times for meeting can be found by enquiring at hbseedsavers@hotmail.com

A 50c donation or seed donation is appreciated when taking seeds as this helps to fund the small costs in running the bank.   But nobody will be denied seeds due to lack of funds.

The Hervey Bay Seed Saver's Network proudly supports http://permagaia.vpweb.com.au/ which is a locally owned and run natural pet care and permaculture business.

The fantastic display of produce at the Fraser Coast Show, Maryborough, Qld, August, 2009

The Hervey Bay Seed Savers display at the Fraser Coast show, May, 2010

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