Elizabeth Burnett of Burnetts on Barney says they have been overwhelmed by the support shown to them since Council’s shock decision to seek Expressions of Interest to sell the old quarry site on Barney St.

“So many people have written to councillors expressing their concern and many more have asked how they can help,” she says.

She’s come up with a novel way to harness this support by quickly creating a grass roots event, Community In The Quarry, to showcase all the gardening, arts, music and community groups which appreciate what the site has become under her stewardship.

“Rather than focus on just protests and petitions we decided to do something that sings to the spirit of this beautiful space and to allow all the community to be involved,” she says.

“There is amazing support for Burnetts to continue operating as a garden and landscape centre and to be able to offer all kinds of extra community activities like Crop and Swap and live local music, such as we’ve done for the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival.”

The monthly Crop & Swap event, held at the Quarry

To the soundtrack of some of our best musicians, Community In The Quarry will offer a day of events including interactive arts and creative classes, history talks about the Quarry from the Carson family, local food and home grown produce, and even free chainsaw sharpening.

Naturally, there will also be gardening talks, with speakers including Gardening Australia’s Clarence Slocklee and TAFE’s well known ABC contributor, John Gabriele.

The day has the support of many community groups, including the Kiama Kubes, Kiama Art Society, Kiama Lions, Kiama Garden Club, Illawarra Rose Society, Kiama Crop & Swap and the Kiama Men’s Shed.

“So many community groups, businesses and individuals have put their hands right up high to be part of the day and there’s a real sense of positive community spirit,” says Elizabeth.

“There’ll be something for everyone and plenty of food and live music to make a whole day of it.’

The event is being held on the Saturday before Council will meet to consider a Rescission Motion to overturn the decision to seek an EOI for the site, which has been leased by the local gardening and landscape supply company for 10 years.

Saturday 15 October, 9.30-4pm

Burnetts on Barney, Barney St. Free entry, but some classes will require booking.