OWNERS of the heritage and National Trust-listed Segenhoe Inn Aberdeen, Michelle and Richard Pryor are no strangers to the notion of giving back to the community, having previously raised more than $1000 for the local Men's Shed through an open day.
And, this year, they're at it again with the launch of Earth-Fest on July 26 and 27.
In partnership with Sustainable Education, the event will place sustainability on the agenda, giving locals and visitors a swathe of information, workshops and stalls to peruse.
Gardening guru Costa Georgiadis will visit schools in the area as part of National Tree Day before he joins Earth-Fest to deliver a workshop at the Segenhoe Inn on Friday, July 26, at 3pm.
Saturday feature Dirtgirl and Scrapboy, musicians, food, workshops and activities for all ages.
More than 30 stalls will offer a variety of products and information from wood carving to kombucha tea and plenty in between.
Anyone attending the event will be asked to provide a gold coin donation, with all funds raised going to Fishing with a Farmer, an initiative orchestrated by Aberdeen Fishing & Outdoors' Nick Price.
The day gives farmers and their families an opportunity to while away the hours fishing on Lake Glenbawn and the much-needed chance to talk and share with others.
"Our farmers have really been doing it tough and we wanted to contribute in some way," Mrs Pryor said.
"While there are other initiatives that provide practical assistance like feed for livestock, we thought any funds we raise to support the emotional and mental health of our farmers would be a good way of giving back."
Upper Hunter Shire Council has been behind the event since inception and Cressfield horse stud is providing 200 tree seedlings for Earth-Fest.
With a series of workshops running every hour from 10am until 4pm on Saturday, July 27, there will be something for gardeners, food producers or those simply interested in how they can make change.
"Given the recent water restrictions throughout the region and the ongoing drought conditions, it's timely for all of us to see how we can make a difference," Mr Pryor added.
To register for the workshop with Costa or find out more about Earth-Fest, head to www.earth-fest.com.au
