‘I always liked organising a party’

Rick Warr is a Flame Tree Co-op volunteer who organised a special celebration concert for the Flame Tree community at Wombarra Bowlo on Saturday, May 20

Ever since I first came to live here, beside the big cliff, I felt it was a place with a strong sense of community.  The idea of a community-owned food co-operative appealed immediately so I became member no.50 and a Flame Tree volunteer.

Now I feel even more strongly about the need for stepping forward and actively shaping the way we want our world to be.  Recent political voting demonstrates an increased care for environment, especially among young people. Since our choice in shopping is a vote for the kind of food that sustains us and the community, I see even more reason to shop at Flame Tree.

If I had to choose a favourite from Flame Tree’s range of products it would be shoyu, which is simply soy sauce in the Japanese style.  It’s a useful savoury salty addition to many dishes.  However, the discovery of interesting unknown foods in the shop continues.

I was delighted to co-ordinate an event held recently at the Wombarra Bowling Club to celebrate this community and the spirit of volunteering that sustains it. I always liked organising a party, which is partly why I became a contract project manager, an IT manager and a venue manager for music festivals.

The Flame Tree Celebration Concert brought together the local music talent of Lara, The Mad Pride, Fiona Johnson, Singongo, Cloudbird and The Numbered to celebrate the Flame Tree community spirit.