A new aged care facility is planned for 49 Cope Street, Redfern, bringing much-needed affordable housing for elderly residents in the rapidly changing inner-city neighbourhood.
The City of Sydney has opened expressions of interest (EOI) for registered not-for-profit organisations to design, build, and operate the residential aged care facility. Applications close on Thursday, 19 December 2024, and are part of the city’s efforts to address housing shortages for older locals while fostering greater community involvement, especially among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Purpose of the Development
The new aged care facility will replace an underused 1,925 square metre public car park currently at the Cope Street site.
The City of Sydney aims to create a minimum of 50 affordable residential aged care places to serve the local community. The facility will focus on supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, with a requirement for the aged care service to be delivered by, or in partnership with, local Aboriginal organisations.
The proposal ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and staff will be an integral part of the facility’s operations.
In addition to the aged care spaces, the successful bidder must build a 55-place underground car park, which will be handed back to the City of Sydney for continued operation as a paid public car park.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Eligibility and Criteria
The City of Sydney has set strict eligibility criteria for this project. Only registered not-for-profit aged care providers or those partnered with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations may apply. For-profit organisations, unincorporated groups, or individuals are not eligible to participate in the EOI process.
The property will be sold to the chosen applicant for $1, but a covenant will be placed on the land title ensuring the site is used exclusively for affordable aged care purposes in perpetuity. Financial stability is also required, as applicants must demonstrate the ability to fund, build, and sustain the facility long-term.
The evaluation process will consider both mandatory and qualitative criteria, including previous experience in designing and managing residential aged care facilities, as well as the ability to provide employment opportunities for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community during both the construction and operational phases of the project.
Next Steps
The City of Sydney will review submissions and report the outcome of the EOI process to the council in early 2025. The council may then decide to proceed with a select tender or negotiate directly with one or more of the applicants.
The aim is to begin development as soon as possible to meet the growing demand for affordable aged care services in the Redfern area.
This initiative represents an important opportunity for the Redfern community to increase affordable housing options for its elderly population while ensuring that local Aboriginal groups play a central role in the development and operation of the new facility.
The notorious “murder mall” in Redfern has undergone a $500-million transformation, turning the once troubled shopping centre into the new Surry Hills Village.
The project, led by the TOGA Group and designed by architect Adam Haddow, has transformed the area into a mixed-use development featuring offices, restaurants, cafes, and residential spaces, including 122 apartments. The original plan, which was 90 per cent residential, was changed to create a balance of local amenities and workspaces to foster a vibrant community.
Photo Credit: Surry Hills Village
Community Concerns
The redevelopment has sparked concerns about gentrification among residents, as the old Redfern Coles had long been a focal point for the community.
TOGA Group’s managing director, Allan Vidor, emphasised that the intention was to honour the local Redfern community rather than impose gentrification. He stated the development was meant to provide a vibrant, mixed-use area that integrates offices, dining spots, and public spaces.
Photo Credit: Surry Hills Village
Residents, including Lesley Holden, noted the vast improvement in the area. They mentioned that what was once a “dodgy parking lot” at the southern end has been replaced with a pocket park, lifting the neighbourhood’s appeal.
The upgraded centre has become a lively gathering point for locals, who are seen arriving by foot, wheelchair, and scooter, with tradies and residents using the landscaped steps and seating.
Design and Sustainability
The development features a striking architectural design, including a grand vaulted ceiling at the entrance, which sets a welcoming tone for visitors. The project also includes a six-storey commercial tower made from Swedish timber, a hotel named The Eve, and landscaped gardens that integrate green rooftops and energy-efficient buildings.
Photo Credit: Surry Hills Village
The architects created a village atmosphere by combining brickwork, varying building heights, and open spaces.
Sustainability was a central focus of the development, with efforts to minimise the site’s ecological footprint. This included water-saving technologies, energy-efficient practices, and attention to tree canopy and landscaping. The design team saw the project as a way to “stitch together” the community, building on Redfern’s working-class roots.
Future of the Village
As New South Wales pushes for more high-density development across Sydney, the Surry Hills Village has been regarded as a model for future projects. The development’s mixed-use nature aligns with the state’s goal to build upwards rather than outwards, addressing both housing shortages and urban inequality.
Redfern, a suburb with wealth and poverty and a significant Indigenous population, is a key area for such urban revitalisation efforts.
The redevelopment is set to be completed soon, with more restaurants and cafes, including a Greek restaurant named Olympus, scheduled to open by the end of the year. Residents and visitors have already begun enjoying the new spaces, and the community is adjusting positively to the changes after nearly four years of construction.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the worldwide head of the Greek Orthodox Church, at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The event, described by Albanese as “historic,” was part of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s tour of Australia, marking 100 years since the founding of the Greek Orthodox Church in the country. Albanese and Patriarch Bartholomew participated in a procession at the Redfern cathedral and met with parishioners.
This visit to Redfern is significant as it’s only the second time Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has toured Australia, with his first visit occurring in 1996. As the leader of 300 million Greek Orthodox Christians worldwide, including over 400,000 in Australia, his presence drew many members of the Greek Orthodox community to Redfern.
Albanese, who represents the nearby electorate of Grayndler, highlighted the importance of the Greek community in Sydney’s inner west. He stated, “As someone who has had the honour of representing Marrickville for nearly 30 years and called the inner west my home for even longer, I have witnessed first-hand the remarkable contribution that generations of Greek Australians have made to our nation.”
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s tour of Australia is set to continue over the next week, further commemorating the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Church in the country.
At approximately 6:00 PM, emergency services were called to the corner of Elizabeth and Redfern streets following reports of a car crashing into a power pole. The impact reportedly split the power pole in half.
The incident drew a substantial response, with eight police cars attending the scene. A NSW Fire and Rescue spokesman confirmed that no live wires were exposed as a result of the crash.
A 33-year-old man, identified as the driver, was freed from the wreckage by responding police officers. He was subsequently transported to the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
Receivers and managers have been appointed to take over The Norfolk, a popular pub in Redfern, due to the financial struggles facing Jon Adgemis’ Public Hospitality Group.
The decision came earlier in September 2024 when insolvency specialists from FTI Consulting stepped in to manage not only The Norfolk but also four other Sydney-based properties including Oxford House, The Strand Hotel, Camelia Grove Hotel, and The Exchange Hotel. All venues are to be put on the market promptly, aiming to find new ownership to secure their operational future.
In the heart of Redfern, The Norfolk is known for its vibrant atmosphere and the cult food favourite, Ricos Tacos. The community has shown concern over the potential changes in management, hoping the venue maintains its unique character and continues to serve as a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
Photo Credit: The Norfolk/Facebook
FTI Consulting’s Vaughan Strawbridge remarked on the situation, saying, “We will work closely with the management of the venues to ensure they continue uninterrupted by this process while we seek new owners for the venues to secure their future.”
He expressed confidence that the hotels would sell quickly due to substantial interest in these properties.
Meanwhile, other parts of the Public Hospitality Group’s portfolio, including venues in Melbourne and Noah’s Backpackers in Bondi, remain unaffected. This financial restructuring follows a series of setbacks for the group, which lost management of the hatted Alpha restaurant and parted ways with the team behind the award-winning Maybe Sammy cocktail bar earlier in the year.
The financial reshuffle extends to the creditors, including drinks producer Michael Clifford, who is anxious about the outstanding debts owed to his company. A creditors’ meeting is scheduled for October 21, where further details will be discussed and possibly clarified.
This transition period marks a critical juncture for the future of The Norfolk and its role within the Redfern community, with hopes high for minimal disruption and a continuation of the pub’s legacy under new stewardship.
The Redfern All Blacks, Australia’s oldest Indigenous rugby league club, marked its 80th anniversary at Redfern Oval, coinciding with the club’s appearance in the 2024 South Sydney District Rugby League A-Reserve grand final.
Over the decades, the club has been a hub of cultural pride and resistance, especially in the face of social and political challenges. From its early beginnings, when Aboriginal families moved to Redfern in the 1920s to find work, the club has offered many Indigenous Australians a sense of belonging and identity.
According to Nathan Moran, a former Redfern All Blacks player and now CEO of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, rugby league was more than just a game.
“Footy and boxing were always our avenue out – literally off the mission and then later as a chance to get ahead,” Moran said, reflecting on how sports provided an escape for many in the community.
Photo Credit: Redfern All Blacks/Facebook
Generations of Family and Community
The club’s legacy is reflected in its people. Long-time members like John Young, known as “Uncle Blackdog,” have witnessed generations of players come through the ranks. At almost 70 years old, Young has been involved with the club for 47 years, working as a coach and, today, as a team strapper. He proudly described one player, nicknamed “Bubba,” saying, “I coached Bubba in nappy grade and now I am strapping him in men’s footy.”
Keith “Kip” Munro, the club’s junior convenor, has also been integral to the club’s continued success. A few years ago, the All Blacks were down to five teams. The club has expanded to 20 teams through Munro’s dedication, providing role models at every age level.
Photo Credit: Redfern Blacks/Facebook
A Symbol of Resistance
The Redfern All Blacks have been at the heart of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander civil rights movement. In the 1970s, the club established Aboriginal-controlled organisations in Redfern, including legal, housing, and medical services. In its early years, the club faced scrutiny for its links to the Black Power movement and activism, yet it remained a symbol of defiance against assimilation.
Even in today’s landscape, where gentrification is impacting Redfern and pushing some families to Western Sydney, the All Blacks remain a symbol of resilience. Members now commute back to Redfern to play, keeping the club’s spirit alive.
Growing Opportunities for Women
One of the club’s most significant developments in recent years has been the growth of its women’s program. Women and girls now make up 45% of the All Blacks’ players, with four of them representing Australia as Jillaroos.
Photo Credit: Redfern All Blacks/Facebooke
Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, a community matriarch who has been part of the All Blacks since she was 16, is thrilled to see women taking such an active role. She remembers when women were primarily responsible for fundraising and jersey washing, and she notes the positive change in opportunities for young girls.
A Narrow Grand Final Defeat
Despite the celebrations, the Redfern All Blacks were narrowly defeated in the grand final last 8 September, losing 16-12 to Mascot. The loss didn’t dampen the spirits of the team or its loyal supporters, who gave the players a standing ovation.
For Moran, the defeat was just a temporary setback. “We’re resilient, still here and strong, and there’s always next year,” he said.
The Redfern All Blacks have spent the last 80 years keeping the ball in motion, both on and off the field, and their story continues as a powerful example of community, resilience, and cultural pride.
Atomic Brewery had become a staple in Redfern’s vibrant community, known for its innovative beers and lively atmosphere. Established in 2019 and opening a year later, the brewery had offered a range of unique brews and hosted numerous community events.
Despite their best efforts and strong local support, Atomic Brewery succumbed to the same financial pressures plaguing many small breweries around Australia in the pandemic era. The decision to close was described as being made with a “heavy heart,” reflecting the emotional impact on both the owners and their patrons.
In their final message to customers, the owners expressed gratitude for the support and memorable moments shared.
“It’s been a pleasure Redfern, join us for a final froth and a nod to the good times,” the owners shared.
This sentiment was echoed on their website with a heartfelt goodbye, acknowledging the “excellent vibes” brought by their patrons over the years.
Industry-Wide Challenges
The closure of Atomic Brewery is part of a broader trend affecting the Australian brewing industry.
Experts like Nick Boots, an industry consultant, cite multiple factors contributing to these difficulties. The government-imposed excise tax, which is the largest expense for breweries, has been a significant burden, especially as it increases biannually with inflation. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, breweries were allowed to defer tax payments, a relief that has now ended with the Australian Tax Office demanding repayment.
Community and Economic Impact
The competitive landscape is also daunting for smaller players like Atomic Beer. The market is dominated by large corporations such as Carlton & United Breweries and Lion, which control up to 90% of the market, making it challenging for independent brewers to compete.
These larger companies benefit from tax advantages and economies of scale that allow them to produce and sell beer at significantly lower prices.
The closure of these independent breweries not only affects the local communities they serve but also has broader economic implications. The loss of these businesses contributes to job reductions and lessens the cultural richness of their locales.
Thousands of Sydney commuters experienced significant delays on Tuesday morning when a man was spotted near the tracks at Redfern Station, affecting multiple train lines and requiring adjustments to travel plans.
The disruption began just after 8:00 a.m. on 3 September 2024, when commuters were first alerted to the presence of a person near the tracks.
This led to halted services across several key lines, including the Airport & South Line, Bankstown Line, Inner West & Leppington Line, North Shore Line, Northern Line, and Western Line. Sydney Trains advised passengers to anticipate changes to stops and potential delays, urging them to stay informed via announcements, information screens, and transport apps.
New South Wales Police confirmed that the incident was mental health-related. Authorities safely removed the man from the tracks and into police care by approximately 9:00 a.m.
Despite the resolution, residual delays continued to affect the network, with Sydney Trains recommending that commuters allow for an additional half-hour of travel time.
Community Impact and Reactions
The morning’s events significantly disrupted the daily routines of many, impacting students, professionals, and other city dwellers. Social media platforms like X, formerly Twitter, saw a flurry of activity from frustrated commuters sharing their experiences.
Some praised the Sydney Metro for its efficiency and isolation from such disruptions, while others expressed dissatisfaction with the delay, with one commuter’s journey tripling in expected duration.
Sydney Trains reiterated the importance of passenger safety and the unpredictability of such incidents, reminding travellers to plan for additional travel time and stay alert to updates during their commutes.
Ongoing Effects and Future Precautions
As the morning progressed, normal train operations gradually resumed. Still, the incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in public transport systems, especially in densely populated urban areas like Sydney.
Transport authorities continue to evaluate their response protocols and communication strategies to better manage and mitigate similar situations in the future, ensuring the safety and convenience of all commuters.
A new satirical play delving into the challenges faced by actors and filmmakers in Sydney’s creative scene is set to premiere at the Sydney Fringe Festival in Redfern.
The production, titled “I Worked With Heath Ledger Once…”, will run from 26 to 28 September at 107 Projects Redfern. Written and directed by Jarred Keane, the play is billed as “a real play about a fake documentary” and aims to blend humour with deeper themes of ambition and identity.
Story Background
The play centres on Maya, a young film student, who decides to make a documentary about an aspiring actor nearing 35 with a “make it or quit it” pact. As Maya faces pressure to tell a more personal story about her complicated past and issues faced by BIPOC in modern-day Sydney, she begins to intervene in the actor’s life to create a better ending for her film.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Keane describes the play as “a comedy… sort of” and explains its origins: “Originating as a disposal idea for a sketch/short film for the internet in between COVID lockdowns, I knew it was ‘the most unoriginal idea ever’ to make a Mockumentary about actors. Thankfully, I didn’t throw it away, but took that as a challenge to find something original and fresh where you’d least expect it.”
Community Focus
107 Projects Redfern, the venue hosting the play, is a repurposed car garage that now serves as a multipurpose creative hub. Since 2011, it has provided affordable facilities for artists, including exhibition and performance spaces, studios, and co-working areas.
The venue’s focus on community aligns with the play’s themes, offering a fitting backdrop for a story about Sydney’s creative industry. Its commitment to supporting local artists reflects the struggles and aspirations portrayed in the production.
Behind the Scenes
Keane reveals the personal nature of the project.
“This play is deeply personal for me as not only my first outing as a theatrical director, but as the writer – I have put so much of my life and the experiences of people close to me in this, I’ve never felt more vulnerable and terrified.”
The production features a cast of eight and additional crew members who will film and edit scenes to be played throughout as part of the “documentary” element. This unique approach blends live theatre with filmed content, creating a hybrid experience for the audience.
Themes and Relevance
Producer Westley Cornwell emphasised the play’s exploration of ethical dilemmas in pursuing creative dreams.
“This play offers a unique and humorous look at the struggles of actors and filmmakers, all while addressing deeper themes of ambition, identity, and the ethical lines we cross in pursuit of our dreams. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced a crossroads in their career,” he stated.
“While it is a Mockumentary, this is not at all about ‘mocking’ or making light of the struggles and dreams of creatives, it is about the universal need to be seen and heard. Both of the lead characters are intent on controlling how people see them, in fighting all of the expectations on them, but they make decisions that will hurt them in the long term simply because they are afraid of facing the entire scope of their identity,” Keane adds.
The play holds particular relevance in the current cultural climate, addressing the increased attention on diverse stories and the challenges faced by creatives in the industry.
Cast and Crew
The production boasts a diverse cast including Nat Astwood as Jennifer, Laren Bigg as DJ/Dominic, Richard Cotter as Clark, Lisa Hanssens as Ms Angelo/Kathleen Fennell, Jarred Keane as Jeremy, Koa Mcintyre as Ambrose/Raiden, Jade Nicholson-Lamb as Nikki, Ani Sidzamba as Maya, and Ricky Price as Terry.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Behind the scenes, Westley Cornwell serves as producer, with Lyndsey Fay Macnaught as production assistant and Indy Jo Woodward handling BTS videography.
Performance Details
The play will run for 115 minutes, with four performances scheduled:
“My hope is that people will see themselves in these characters, that they will double over laughing, and walk away with something personal and indescribable for themselves in their own journey of self-love. I optimistically believe that to be human is to find connection, and that even the most foolish and foolhardy among us deserves to be loved,” Keane concludes.
When Harris Farm Markets opens their latest store on the Surry Hills and Redfern border, it will be the next iteration in an extraordinary evolution that started 53 years ago, with a belief in something greater than just fresh food.
Harris Farm Markets at The Village Surry Hills in Redfern will open on Thursday, August 22 to a fanfare of seafood, with long-time seafood partner, Fish in the Family, offering specials on Queensland Barramundi and Tiger Prawns, as well as Mount Cook Salmon, and the Infinity Blue Barramundi over the opening week-end.
• Mount Cook Salmon: 22-23 Aug • Infinity Blue Barramundi: 24-25 Aug
FOTF Promotion
Sign up as a Friend of the Farm and shop in-store for a chance to win one of five $50 seafood bundles
Infinity Bakery
• 25% off coffee and pastries • $6 sourdough loaves • Samples Thu-Sun
The Redfern store brings together the best that Harris Farm Markets has to offer in one place. This is a process that reflects an active policy to develop very strong relationships with farmers, alongside a highly customer-oriented policy that has included a program to remove the use of artificial colours from their product range, and a market leadership commitment to overnight cold storage for their fresh fruit and vegetables.
This passion for quality and “the customer as family” is something that has embodied Harris Farm Markets from the beginning.
The Inspiring Journey of Harris Farm Markets
In 1971, David Harris and his wife Catherine opened their first store in the Western Sydney suburb of Villawood, not long after they graduated from university.
A decade after, he and wife had grown the business enough to include stores in the affluent Sydney suburbs of Willoughby, Mosman, Castle Hill, Pennant Hills and Chatswood. Things were looking good.
What followed next is an inspiring story of community, solidarity, and triumph over adversity.
Five years after acquiring equity in Harris Farm Markets, Panfida went into receivership, nearly taking the business down with it.
Proving that it does take a village to raise a child (in this case, a brainchild, the business), friends and family invested their hard-earned money to save the business. After investing, they turned to David Harris to manage the stores for them.
After they had recouped their investment, these friends and relatives gifted their equity right back to David Harris. By 2011, he had refinanced and once again, the business was back into the fold, 100% family-owned.
Growing the business involved both husband and wife working side by side, each bringing their own contribution to the table.
“The expertise I brought related to the things that big corporates have in place, like key performance indicators, systems and disciplines. David, with his unparalleled knowledge of the industry, brought agility, lateral thinking and innovation. Part of the success of Harris Farm is that we bring this breadth to the board. It is a winning formula,” Cathy Harris recounted in an interview with the American Institute of Company Directors, where she is a Lifetime Fellow.
This experience is at the root of their strong belief that family is everything and that family extends to everyone who makes the business a success: their employees, suppliers, the community around each Harris store, and their customers.
The concept of “family” is so intrinsic to the core of the business that when it was time for David and his wife to “retire” from the day-to-day operations, they decided to hand over the reins to three of their five sons who were working for the business at the time.
Luke joined the business in 1995 and had been there the longest at the time; Angus started in 2003 and was the chief information officer; Tristan started learning the ropes as a grocery buyer in 2006. In an unprecedented move that many in the industry believed would fail, all three were appointed co-CEOs.
“We have the discipline, reporting structures and the agenda of a large corporation, but we have the flexibility, ingenuity, honesty and the hands-on passion of a small company.”
Since then, Harris Farm Markets has grown to become a thriving chain with over 29 stores across New South Wales and Queensland. The company has remained true to its roots and the values that it has represented for five decades: quality produce, support for local farmers, and a commitment to fresh food.
To an independent business like Harris Farm Markets, supply chain is important so they do what they can to make sure their suppliers are supported and treated fairly and well.
“We’ve always been about quality, freshness, and supporting local farmers,” Angus Harris said in an interview with Good Food. “That’s something we’ve never compromised on, even as we’ve grown.”
These values have helped Harris Farm Markets stand out in a competitive market. While many retailers focus on scale and efficiency, Harris Farm Markets has remained committed to the principles that David Harris established in those early days.
Standing Out
Since the early days of the business, competition has always been fierce, with other stores jostling for a position in the market. David Harris has always understood that building a loyal customer base required not only hard work but also a deep understanding of what the community needed.
“I remember a lady who would come every week without fail to buy apples,” he once recounted. “One day, she asked me to pick the best ones for her daughter’s birthday. That’s when I realised that what I was doing was more than just selling fruit—it was about being a part of people’s lives.”
The average annual household spend on groceries sits at around $10,000 per annum in Australia (Note: varying reporting is either side of this figure). The spend is largely distributed between Coles(28%) and Woolworths (37%). Together with Aldi (10%) and Metcash (7%), these stores control over 80% of the market.
In keeping with Harris Farm Market’s values, for example, the new Redfern store has also established an Aboriginal Employment Strategy to support the local community, recruiting staff for various positions, bringing opportunities and support to develop great careers.
Delivering a great customer experience is also paramount. Customer focus is something that the Harris family has cultivated and passed on to all their employees.
In a marketplace dominated by the Big 2 and the more recent “low-cost” players, Harris Farm Markets has grown steadily with over 300 million dollars in annual sales, whilst offering a combination of policies that deliver highly responsible community leadership.
The local community vibe is something that local contemporary artist, designer, and illustrator Nico Nicoson, known for his large public artwork installations, strove to capture in the stunning mural he created for the Redfern store.
“I consider myself a bit of a foodie and always love creating images related to food and the enjoyment around it. I love creating images that are fun and playful. I was really keen to represent the unique local community vibe in the artwork and had a lot of fun incorporating the beautiful little terrace houses that really capture the inner-city village lifestyle that I love so much,” Mr Nicoson said.
Making a Difference: In Partnership With Farmers
For decades, Harris Farm Markets has built its reputation on a commitment to fresh, locally sourced produce. Forming and maintaining strong relationships with the farmers who grow the produce are considered vital to the core of the business.
Both David and Cathy Harris, despite relinguishing operational control to their sons, still maintain active involvement in maintaining supplier relationships; Cathy is the chairperson of this endeavour.
These supplier relationships are particularly crucial during times of environmental stress, such as droughts, when the livelihood of farmers is on the line.
During periods of drought, many large retailers might turn away from local produce due to inconsistencies in supply or quality. Unlike them, Harris Farm Markets has consistently shown that it values its supplier relationships over short-term profits.
By continuing to purchase from local farmers, even when yields are low or even if the produce isn’t aesthetically perfect, Harris Farm Markets provides crucial financial stability to farmers who might otherwise struggle to stay afloat.
Farmers who have partnered with Harris Farm Markets often speak of the emotional support that comes with this financial stability. Knowing that there is a buyer who values their hard work and is willing to stand by them during the hardest of times can be a powerful motivator to keep going, even when the future seems uncertain.
“By choosing to purchase the full crop, and promote imperfect fruit and veg, we’ve ensured that farmers receive a fair return for their hard work, reducing the financial impact of previously discarded produce. Together, we are proving that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and that every crop holds value,” Co-CEO Angus Harris said, explaining the rationale behind their enduring support.
For many farmers, having a reliable buyer during these difficult times can mean the difference between staying in business or shutting down. The assurance that their produce will still find a market, even when conditions are dire, provides a much-needed financial safety net.
The company’s marketing efforts during droughts also focus on educating consumers about the impact of drought on farmers and the importance of supporting local agriculture during these tough times.
In-store signage, social media campaigns, and customer newsletters are used to highlight the challenges faced by farmers and how purchasing locally grown produce can make a difference.
Always on the Leading Edge
Harris Farm Market has always been ahead of the curve, when it comes to thinking of ways to make a difference to the community.
No to Plastic
It was the first major supermarket to stop using plastic bags, advising its customers to use paper bags and cardboard boxes for their shopping.
In 2021, Harris Farm Markets committed to reducing plastic use in their stores by implementing reusable crates for fresh produce and introducing a “BYO container” option for customers.
Free Fruit for Children
The company offered free fruit for children while their parents shop, something they did quietly and without fanfare, a practice that was eventually adopted by Woolworths and eventually, Coles.
Imperfect Picks
True to its practice of innovation with a heart, Harris Farm Markets was also the first to launch its “Imperfect Picks” program, offering fruits and vegetables that did not quite meet the cosmetic standards of other retailers, selling them at a lower price.
While these products might be rejected elsewhere, Harris Farm Markets sees their value and offers them to consumers at a discounted price, providing value-for-money options for shoppers and much-needed support for farmers for products which might otherwise go to waste.
This program not only helps farmers sell produce that might otherwise go to waste but also educates consumers on the importance of reducing food waste. By promoting these “Imperfect Picks” to shoppers, Harris Farm Markets encourages customers to look beyond appearances and appreciate the nutritional value and taste of the produce, regardless of its shape or size.
“We are immensely proud of this achievement. Our Imperfect fruit and vegetables are just as delicious and great for cooking as the blemish-free kind. At up to 70% cheaper than their more perfect counterparts, Australians are able to feed their families with fruit & veg which would otherwise have been dumped, ploughed back into a field or used as animal feed. This journey has been possible thanks to our dedicated team, our loyal customers, and our invaluable relationship with local farmers,” Angus Harris, Co-CEO, said.
“…every piece of fruit and veg, no matter its shape or size, has immense value,” he added. “By embracing imperfections through our total crop solution, we have ensured that more Australians receive quality, nutritious fruit and veg at an affordable price, reducing waste and ensuring that value isn’t just about appearance, but substance.”
The initiative became so successful that competitors soon followed suit, with “The Odd Bunch” and similar strategies that now appear throughout the industry. The combined impact on food waste has been dramatic.
Sarah Johnson, a regular shopper at a Harris Farm location, agrees. “I love that Harris Farm Markets makes it easy to support local farmers. The ‘Imperfect Picks’ are such a great idea. They’re cheaper, just as tasty, and I know my money is going to help someone who really needs it,” she said.
No Artificial Colours
Further solidifying its commitment to sustainable retail practices, Harris Farm Markets has also eliminated artificial colours, after a five-year process working with suppliers, becoming the only major grocery provider to do so.
“For over 50 years Harris Farm Markets have been delivering goodness to Australian families. To continue to do this, we knew we needed to eliminate artificial colours from our shelves. So, for the past five years we have been working with our suppliers, to find new methods of production if needed and alternative ingredients if required. Now, our pasta sauces, dips, juices, peanut butter, cookie dough, curry pastes, chocolates, soups, noodles and even orange juices just to name a few, are all free of artificial colouring,” Co-CEO Tristan Harris said.
“We take immense pride in what we sell, and even more pride in what we don’t sell, and from now on, we don’t sell food with artificial colours. We are also incredibly proud to be the only major grocery provider in the country to be now artificial colour free,” he added.
Gourmet Treasures
For those who seek out the finest foods, Harris Farm Markets at The Village Surry Hills in Redfern is more than just a grocery store—it’s a haven of gourmet delights. From artisanal cheeses to rare spices, this market offers a selection of products that promise to elevate any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook, a professional chef, or simply someone who loves good food, the Surry Hills location is a treasure trove of culinary possibilities.
Artisanal Cheeses
One of the highlights of Harris Farm Markets in Redfern will be its impressive selection of artisanal cheeses. From locally made varieties that showcase the best of Australian dairy to imported specialties from Europe, there’s something to satisfy every cheese lover. The market’s cheese section has 600 varieties of cheese, carefully curated to include both popular favorites and unique finds that are hard to come by elsewhere.
Specialty Meats and Charcuterie
Harris Farm Markets is also the destination for those seeking high-quality meats and charcuterie. The market’s Proper Meat Butcher offers a range of quality meats, including free-range and organic options, as well as a curated selection of charcuterie that includes everything from prosciutto to pâté.
For home cooks, the market’s selection of meats offers an opportunity to experiment with new cuts and flavors, bringing restaurant-quality ingredients into your own kitchen.
Organic and Exotic Produce
Harris Farm Markets is known for its commitment to providing fresh, high-quality produce, and the Redfern location takes this to the next level with its range of organic and exotic fruits and vegetables. From heirloom tomatoes to dragon fruit, the market offers an array of options that cater to both health-conscious consumers and adventurous eaters.
The Harris Farm Markets policy on fresh fruit and veg also means that at the end of every day, the whole stock is moved into cold storage. You would expect that this was the industry norm but not so, Harris Farm Markets make that extra effort to maintain the freshness of their produce.
Whether you’re shopping for everyday meals or looking to create something special, the produce section at Harris Farm Markets Surry Hills is sure to inspire.
Food blogger Jess Wilson only has good things to say about the produce at Harris Farm Markets. “I was looking for something different to use in a salad and came across these beautiful purple carrots and watermelon radishes,” she says. “They were so vibrant and added a lot of flavor and color to the dish. I love that I can find such unique ingredients right here in Sydney.”
Gourmet Pantry Staples
Beyond fresh produce and meats, Harris Farm Markets is also a go-to spot for gourmet pantry staples. Visitors to the store at The Village Surry Hills will find a wide range of high-quality oils, vinegars, spices, and specialty grains that can elevate even the simplest dishes, a must for a well-stocked pantry.
“One of my favourite discoveries was this incredible truffle oil,” says Daniel Lee, a home cook who frequents his neighbourhood location. “It’s a bit of a splurge, but a little goes a long way, and it really makes a difference in my pasta dishes. I also found a spice blend that’s perfect for recreating a dish I had on a trip to Morocco.”
Customers who join the Friend of The Farm program will get 5% off produce, exclusive deals, and market updates at Harris Farm Markets at The Village Surry Hills in Redfern.
