Big Spring Food Swap!

It's Spring time! So we all know what that means. The St Kilda 'Big Spring Food Swap' is on again! Come on down to the Port Philip Eco-Center on Sunday between 10:30 - 11:30am to experience this unique event.

It's a large gathering of all the local gardeners where you can swap your fresh foods. Do you have some delicious goodies in your pantry? If so, then you know where to be this weekend! On a typical morning at the swap, you can expect offering of:

• Fresh Fruit 
• Vegetables 
• Seeds & Seedlings 
• Flowers 
• Baked Cookies 
• Ginger Beer 
• Compost & Mulch 
• Eggs
• And much much more!

Come down, have a chat, grab a coffee and meet the locals. For more information please call 9534 06 70 or e-mail: reception@ecocentre.com

Happy Swapping!

By Joel

How much Australian is Australian Made?

The iconic green and yellow Australian made logo is there to help us recognise which products are locally manufactured. Although many my think a product branded with this special logo is entirely produced on our shores, they could be wrong.

To what extent should we go when branding a product ‘Australian made’? Independent Senator Nick Xenophon is currently challenging labelling laws in parliament, claiming that this famous logo can be “misleading”. Mr. Xenophon is challenging the house to make it illegal for products to receive the tick of approval if they contain foreign produce.

In response to the Senator’s proposal, many have argued that some products simply cannot be produced without overseas goods. Some additives, raw materials, complex preservatives and flavourings can only be found off shore.

Although some elements must come from overseas, some products are able to get away with a lot more. Xenophon spoke of an orange juice bottle branded with the green and yellow kangaroo containing half Australian half imported juices. With so many discrepancies, it’s hard to see where to draw the line!

If a Cadbury chocolate is made in Australia, but sources it’s coco from off shore can it truly display the Australian made logo?

Could stricter laws on labelling make it harder for the Australian food industry?

Please share your thoughts below. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with any further news on the matter.

By Joel