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Expo 2009

DESTINATION – NORTHAM

(Above) Inside the Display Hall at the 2009 Expo

The second Earth Solutions Expo held in Northam on 29th March, attracted visitors from far and wide. Stall- holders reported chatting with people who’d come from as far away as Esperance and Geraldton. Many people from the outer Wheat-belt also attended, greatly pleasing organisers who had targeted the regional rural community.
Peter Andrews, who made an even longer journey from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, was a definite draw-card, with many saying they’d come especially to hear Peter speak. The speakers’ room had standing room only for latecomers, and Peter delivered nothing less than the audience had travelled to hear. The regional Natural Sequence Farming organization who’d set up outside, sold out of his books and DVDs, and signed up a number of new members on the day.

The other speakers, an eco architect, an organic gardener, a Bio- Dynamic farmer and a naturopath were also well attended. The organisers commented that while the space for the speakers was an improvement on the tent accommodation of the first expo, they dream of soundproof rooms with recording facilities and professional sound and lighting equipment.

The cold and windy weather conditions were initially against the small group of  environmental volunteers who’d organised the event, as tents set up the day before were blown over. Several stallholders were relocated inside the main arena, but conditions improved during the day, attracting an attendance estimated at about two and a half thousand.

W.A. Academy of Highland Dancers on display at Northam.
The forty three stall-holders and environmental displays and workshops reported a lot of interest in their products and services, encouraging the Earth Solutions group to continue to facilitate environmental events in the region. Peter Wetherly, Avon Valley Environmental Society President took over 50 signatures for a local solar power cooperative, and a composting toilet business proprietor who had travelled from Esperance to display his wares, asked to be signed up there and then for the next event.
Future directions for the Earth Solutions Expo group steer them away from the arduous task of one day events, to the establishment of a permanent environmental centre from where mini expos will be based, and speakers, eco films, workshops community gardens and many related events, will operate on an ongoing basis.