The Hope Vale Foundation’s Climate Intelligent Workshops were held in Cooktown over the weekend, bringing together students, families, neighbours, and local industry representatives for two days of hands-on learning in sustainable food production.
Facilitated by aquaculture specialist Rodney Ingersoll, the workshops introduced participants to practical ways of growing food in changing climatic conditions, including aquaponics, composting, worm farms, and wicking beds.
Day 1 opened with an enthusiastic school group building worm farms, setting up wicking beds, and helping relocate juvenile prawns into the Foundation’s aquaculture tanks. Later that afternoon, local residents and industry partners explored aquaponics as a climate-smart food security solution.
Day 2 welcomed attendees from Thursday Island, Cook Shire, Cape York NRM, Health & Wellbeing Queensland, Drought Hub, and HVF staff for an aquaponics workshop. The day finished with families and young children learning about composting, worm farms, and wicking beds.
These free workshops form part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community skills, promoting sustainable farming practices, and supporting long-term food security across Cape York.
Supported by Cape York NRM, Aquaponic Gardener, and Hope Vale Foundation.
