Luke Terramadre
Community spirit can sprout from the simplest of seeds – for Al Harries, that seed was an overabundance of zucchinis and cucumbers.
“Two years ago, just after moving to Kyogle, my garden exploded with produce,” Al said.
“I started leaving the excess out the front for people to take, but in the summer heat, it spoiled quickly.
“So I turned to Facebook to ask if there was a local produce swap. There wasn’t, so I made one.”
From that humble question grew the Kyogle Produce -Swap, Sell and Giveaway, a grassroots community hub that thrives both online and in the real world.
What began as a Facebook group for sharing backyard bounty has blossomed into a social fixture, thanks in part to a connection with Sandii Davies from the Kyogle Bazaar, who invited Al to host a regular stall.
“This really helped us move beyond just being a digital space,” Al said.
“It brought us into the community in a more tangible way.”
At the monthly Bazaar, locals trade homegrown delights, from citrus and pumpkins to the more exotic, like Buddha’s hands, a curious, fingered citron prized for its zest.
For Al, the heart of the project goes beyond quirky fruit or surplus veg.
“It’s about people as much as produce,” Al said.
“We’ve built something that encourages connection. We run informal swaps at local parks where people bring their produce, share a tea or coffee, and catch up. It’s low-key, friendly, and very Kyogle.”
Al hopes to expand the group’s reach, not just in size but in spirit.
“I’d love to see more informal meetups and more variety, like homemade jams, chutneys, cakes. Not everything has to be fresh off the vine,” he said.
Getting involved is easy.
“Join us on Facebook at Kyogle Produce Swap, Sell and Giveaway or come visit us at the Kyogle Bazaar. We don’t make it to every market, so follow our socials for updates. And if you’d like to help out, we’re always welcoming new volunteers.”
In Kyogle, where the soil is fertile and the community even more so, Al is helping grow more than just good food. She’s cultivating connection.