Local Legends Recognised
The nominees for the Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie 2021 Australia Day Awards have been revealed. Winners will be announced at local ceremonies on January 26. In the lead up to the announcements, Coatbeat visited one of the exceptional nominees. Meet OzHarvest Coffs Harbour coordinator Julie Ferguson.
“I’ve been there so I know what it’s like,” explains Julie when asked why she does what she does. “If I can prevent even one person from going hungry, then I’ll do it whatever it takes.”
Nearly eight years ago, Julie began a local branch of OzHarvest from her living room. With a team of 30 volunteers, she now feeds up to 1200 people between Woolgoolga and Urunga and west to Dorrigo every day.
Coffs Harbour
OzHarvest was founded in 2004 by Ronni Kahn AO. She noticed food going to waste around her and came up with a simple solution. Ronni began rescuing food and delivering it to local charities in Sydney. OzHarvest now operates nationally, collecting quality surplus food from a network of donors.
Feeding the Coffs Coast
Julie has the Coffs branch operating like a well-oiled machine. A white board at the warehouse displays the strategic daily schedule, listing every collection and drop off point. Volunteers work quickly and efficiently, cheerfully unloading, sorting and reloading the unmistakable yellow van.
“I work 40 to 60 hours every week but it makes me so happy,” Julie says. “I consider this my life’s purpose and a lot of people don’t find their life’s purpose so I’m very blessed.”
Julie is no stranger to awards and accolades but that’s not what motivates her.
“It’s great to be acknowledged but I don’t do it for that reason,” she explains. “I can go to bed every night knowing that all of these tummies are filled.”
Hidden Needs
During last year’s widespread COVID-19 lockdown, the needs of the community increased and OzHarvest was put to the test. Many of the local service providers had to close their doors and regular volunteers were unable to work. Julie had to devise a new plan – quickly. In consultation with staff at Coffs Harbour Community Village, a pop-up shop was created so those in need of food could receive it directly. Julie says it has been so successful that she’s thinking of making it permanent.
What may not be obvious to the casual observer is that there are a lot of people doing it tough on the Coffs Coast. Julie says OzHarvest has assisted new faces in the last year.
“In 2020, more people lost their jobs due to COVID and some even lost their homes,” she explains. “There are people we haven’t seen before who are in a situation they didn’t think they’d be in.”
Paying it Forward
OzHarvest Coffs Harbour relies on approximately 25 regular donors, although there are another 25 who give when they can. Julie is on the lookout for farmers who can spare excess produce or “seconds”.
“We also have lots of quality food for farm animals so if there are any farmers out there in need of more feed, get in touch!”
Coastbeat would like to congratulate Julie on her nomination and thank her for her hard work and dedication to the people of the Coffs Coast.
Coffs Harbour Nominees
Julie Ferguson
Beth Rogers
Michael Bourne
John Higgins
John Lardner
Taryn McCarthy
Rosie Smart
Port Macquarie Nominees
Citizen of the Year
Ellen Crepaz
Lisa Willows
Robyn Rawson
Young Citizen of the Year
Blake O’Connor
Luke Meier-Smith
Molly Kemp
Senior Citizen of the Year
Gordon Gray
John Eggert
Phyllis Hollis
In Kempsey awards will be presented for:
Citizen of the Year
Young Citizen of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Community Group of the Year
Planning a get-together on January 26? Check out our selection of hampers here!