On Wednesday we were just sitting down to lunch when we had an unexpected visitor. Professor Kyall Zenger from James Cook University popped in and asked if he could look in our compost bins in his search for black soldier fly larvae. We said yes, and then went about interrogating him about all the things!

So …he is currently going around Australia collecting samples to map the variety of black soldier flies that have made there way to various parts of the country … and doing genetic testing on them. Why we asked? He is looking into using insects for sustainable agriculture and aquaculture food production - and black soldier flies have both a short lifespan and are very high in protein. So he is testing to find the best flies (I assume this means the ones that are both the biggest and highest in protein, in the shortest lifecycle).

He was telling us that they have already started mass production of the black soldier fly for aquaculture food. And explained that insects are a much more sustainable food/protein source for fish than other fish (what with overfishing etc.). How interesting right?

We’ll look forward to following the outcome of his research … and perhaps, just perhaps our compost bins could be the source of THE BEST BLACK SOLDIER FLY IN AUSTRALIA … and ACC could become FAMOUS in this new endeavour.

Local artist Annie practices textile arts, using materials found on the lands of Naarm. Her latest creative project PillowTalk, is supported by City of Yarra Arts, and is all about caring about pillows:

1. while they're good, keeping them good - sustainable pillow advice

2. when they're done, using eco-dyeing and natural pigment inks to transform the outer fabric.

Annie's stall at the Alphington Show (coming up on Saturday 25 March) will provide you with practical advice on pillows and pillow stuffing. She'll be demonstrating dyeing techniques and inviting passers by to join in the process. She’ll also have zines about the world of pillows, stitched mini pillow cases … and more.

If you are interested in this project that is about recycling and repurposing in a creative way, and would like more information and/or would like to experiment with eco-dyeing yourself, sign up for Annie's PillowTalk workshop at ACC on 13th May!

Annie has already upcycled cotton fabric from over 100 pillows found on nature strips round the burbs - that’s pretty great right?

Last week we were pretty thrilled to have a delivery of new bowls, plates and serving platters - thanks to Jika Jika Community Centre (our friends down the road) who somehow linked into a big catering clean out that was happening at the MCG, and kindly picked up a pallet of goods and shared some with us.

We are now in the process or reevaluating our plates and bowls etc, and working our way through washing the inherited items and finding them a place to live at ACC.

So … thanks Jika friends, and isn’t it super that these sorts of resources can get reused/rehomed in the community.

I f you came along to the Alphington Open Studios event at ACC in December last year you would have seen some really beautiful recycled timber chopping boards made by local artisan Jane Hausegger.

In Term 2 she has offered to run a workshop for us here at ACC, to teach people in the community how to select, cut, finish and dress recycled timber to safely use for kitchen products (that make amazing gifts) such as coffee paddles and chopping boards.

If you are interested in developing your timber skills you’ll love this course that has a focus on simple, beautiful and sustainable creations.

The workshop is on Saturday 6 May from 10am-12pm in our Community Shed and it costs $130 (which includes all materials). You can book in here.

The arrival of Melbourne Farmers Markets down the road really has completely changed the vibe of our little pocket of Alphington all for the better over the last 5 years - I am sure you agree.

Remember that weird suspended watering system and how neglected and industrial the view into that site was from Yarana Road before Miranda came along? Now we have the walking/bike path connecting to the parklands and lots of planting, and fun and educational artworks and signs, inspiring vegetable gardens and shipping containers and … bees and mushrooms and all the things!

It is quite exciting to have this creative urban ag. hub in our backyard - bringing those cool vibes along with great fresh produce right to our doorstep.

But … MFM and the other tenants don’t have a secure ongoing licence … and Miranda and her colleagues are now putting together their expressions of interest to stay in situ for the next 5 years.

As part of the process Miranda is keen to document community support for their vision for the site. So if you too visit the market regularly, stop in for a coffee and bread at the new bakery, or enjoy seeing all the micro-enterprises popping up, read the poster below, follow the link via the QR code (or click here) and register your support.

Fingers crossed that the process is smooth for you Miranda and all!