Gardening Australia star, landscape architect and author Costa Georgiadis captivated audiences at Tahbilk Winery on Friday, November 15.
Costa's Climate Ready Gardens: Thriving Through Change brought green thumbs together at the Peppercorn Paddock to learn about sustainable and resilient gardening practices.
Hosted by Strathbogie Shire Council, the event began with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Taungurung Elder Uncle Mick Harding.
Costa captured the crowds with his spirit and passion, bringing the energy his fans see every week on screen to the vineyard.
He drew on the work of the Taungurung people, who have been the caretakers of the land for millennia.
“Everything we’re talking about ... (is) the science of First Nations mob, who have been observing this for thousands and thousands of years,” he said.
Costa highlighted the responsibility gardeners had to create climate-friendly spaces when rebuilding from events like the October 2022 floods.
He discussed the need to reassure younger generations who had been impacted by natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic over the past five years.
“We need to look forward to a climate-safe future,” he said.
“We need to build back better.
“If we build back better, that means we build back with a connection and understanding that this is more than likely going to happen again, and that’s not being a pessimist.
“It’s really incumbent on us to help build this climate-safe future, and not just the structures ... but the heartscapes, the human side.”
Tahbilk Winery catered a native-inspired morning tea, featuring a bush tomato oat slice, lemon myrtle cookies and damper with local honey and salted butter.
Wawa biik Taungurung Cultural Experience was in attendance to share its tours and cruises, as well as Euroa Arboretum representatives who were selling plants and encouraging guests to visit.
Taungurung Elder Uncle Shane Monk presented to the audience about the work his ancestors did to care for the land and how Taungurung Land and Waters Council is continuing that work.
“You’ve got to be able to see country to know what it needs,” he said.
“We spend a bit of time with the mob out on country, just observing what’s happening.
“We all need to be there, working together as one to get this country as healthy as best we can.”
He thanked audiences for coming along to the event to learn their role in supporting the ecosystem for generations to come.
“We really need to change the way this land is managed,” he said.
“It’s absolutely awesome to see how many people are here today ... that’s showing that there’s a big change and a big shift in the community to want to do the right thing.”
Strathbogie Shire Council showcased its 72-hour initiative and new recycling system, while community and planning director and event MC Rachael Frampton reflected on the significance of the event.
“Natural disasters resulting from extreme weather, like the October 2022 flood event, are happening more frequently and the seasons are forever changing,” she said.
“This is why it’s essential that our community is prepared and continues to build resilience and support one another as we adapt and change.”
Audiences were able to speak with Costa before and after the event, gaining valuable advice or simply having a chat.
Strathbogie Shire Council interim chief executive Tim Tamlin was grateful to Costa for his contributions to the event, an important step in the region’s recovery journey.
“It’s been wonderful to see the community come together to learn from Costa’s expertise and his passion,” he said.
“Events like this empower us to come together, learn from past challenges like the October 2022 floods and strengthen our resilience to the ongoing impacts of climate change”.