More than 40 people from across the North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) gathered in Upper Rollands Plains for a weekend that combined agriculture, faith and community engagement. Held from October 25 to 27, the Cultivate Mini-Conference, organised by the NNSW health department, aimed to equip participants with sustainable farming skills and spiritual insights.
Hosted at an organic market farm, the event featured practical workshops on topics such as soil preparation, seedling transplantation, pest management and greenhouse production. According to NNSW health director Erin Keegan, these sessions were designed to promote biblical stewardship and sustainable farming methods. “Spiritual growth was also a focal point, with discussions inspired by scripture and Ellen White’s writings, including Country Living and Counsels on Agriculture,” explained Mrs Keegan.
The Cultivate Mini-Conference is part of a broader initiative supported by the 2023 Big Camp Appeal, which provided funds for the NNSW health department to help local churches establish community gardens through the Sustainable Living grant. Beneficiary churches include Taree, Wauchope, The Bay, Mullumbimby, Bray Park, The Heights Learning Community (Maitland) and Yarra Holiday Park.
More practical gardening and agriculture events are being planned for 2025, including the God’s Garden workshop at Big Camp 2025.