Harvesting Connections: A Creative Documentary on Sustainable Food Practices & Community in the Byron Shire

This research explores the intersection of sustainable food practices and community connection in the Byron Shire, New South Wales Australia. This study specifically focuses on how practices such as composting, organic agriculture, farmers markets, and shared meals encourage both environmental well-being and social bonds. This project is presented as a 21 minute documentary titled Harvesting Connections, which included five semi-structured interviews with community members, including local farmers, home gardeners, market managers, and community garden leaders. Interviews were conducted over a five week period in November 2024, with participants including Sharon Gibson, Dave Forrest, Sue Mangan, Allie Godfrey, and Ahbi. These individuals provided valuable insights into sustainable food practices and their role in strengthening communities. This research highlights how sustainable food habits contribute to environmental well-being, one’s sense of belonging, and collective action. The findings reveal that community participation often drives sustainable practices, while social bonds often reinforce these environmental efforts. Through a systems-thinking approach, this project highlights the interconnectedness of food systems, demonstrating how actions such as composting, growing food, and sharing meals can have a significant and positive impact on communities. Ultimately, Harvesting Connections aims to inspire viewers to adopt sustainable food habits and participate in their local communities, thus contributing to both ecological and social resilience.