July Field Day - Amorelle Dempster's Farm
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
The HOGS committee is excited to invite you to a special day at Amorelle Dempster's new property at Gresford.
Location: 28 Pound Crossing Road Gresford 2311
Date: Saturday 11th July,2026
Meet Amorelle Dempster
Amorelle Dempster and her husband Andrew have called their new Gresford property home for the past seven months, drawn to its stunning natural setting, three-acre landscape, and beautiful river frontage. She is currently establishing new vegetable gardens using organic and biodynamic growing principles, creating a productive and sustainable space that works in harmony with nature.
Amorelle's life has been shaped by a passion for good food, community, and environmental stewardship. She is the leader of Slow Food Hunter Valley and the founder of the Maitland Earth Market, an initiative established to support local farmers, producers, while strengthening connections between growers and consumers.
Through her work, Amorelle has reconnected local producers with local customers while also helping to provide meals for disadvantaged members of the community. She is passionate about building resilient local food systems that benefit both people and the environment.
"The Slow Food philosophy is about protecting food biodiversity and working with small-scale farmers to provide good, clean and fair food for everyone," Amorelle says.
Through Slow Food Hunter Valley, Amorelle champions this global philosophy, believing every local community can play a role in supporting sustainable agriculture, protecting food traditions, and celebrating local producers.
A passionate connector and storyteller, Amorelle enjoys bringing people together through food and sharing the stories behind the people who grow it. Her love of fresh, locally grown produce began in childhood and has inspired a lifelong commitment to helping people reconnect with where their food comes from.
Many people will remember Amorelle's famous "pumpkin rescue" campaign. After learning that tonnes of perfectly good pumpkins were at risk of going to waste, she organised a pop-up stall and a publicity campaign that sparked a pumpkin-buying frenzy. Thousands of people turned out to support the initiative, helping to save the produce from being wasted while demonstrating the power of a community coming together to support local farmers.
Today, Amorelle continues to foster community through education, local food initiatives, and sustainable gardening, demonstrating how small actions can have a lasting impact on both people and the environment.
It's time to give back to someone who has given so much.
We invite all HOGS members to join us for a working bee at Amorelle's property. From gardening to clearing and general maintenance, your help will make a real difference as she establishes her new home and gardens. Let's come together to support someone who has spent years supporting local farmers, building community, and helping others.
Here’s what the day will look like
10:00am – Sign-in, intro, and a warm welcome with tea, coffee and morning tea provided.
10:30am – Working bee : Clearing lantana on the riverbank , planting natives and building steps down to the river.
12:30pm :Freshly cooked lunch will be provided by Amorelle.
1:30pm :Amorelle will demonstrate how to make a beutiful Sri Lankan dessert.
2:00pm :Enjoy dessert and a cuppa before going home.
The fire pit will be going all day to keep us warm
What to bring on the day
Gardening tools : Shovel, secateurs, gloves, weeding tools
Please bring a chair
Enclosed footwear is compulsory
Sunscreen and hat
Wet weather gear if needed. This event will go ahead in light rain and there is covered areas.
Surpluce produce /plants for swap table
Getting There
From Maitland and Dungog turn into Durham road at the Beaty Hotel. Left into Glendonbrook Road . Pound crossing is the left after the bridge.
From Singleton : Glendonbrook road and pound crossing on the right.
Directions for parking on arrival.
Keep on paved road and do not drive in property if wet in 2WD.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Please note: You will need to be a member of HOGS to attend. If you aren't a member, you can sign up by visiting https://www.hunterorganicgrowerssociety.org.au/join-us or you can sign up on the day.
To RSVP, please go to https://events.humanitix.com/july-field-day-amorelle-dempster-s-farm/tickets
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