Meet a volunteer at Thirroul's Flame Tree Co-op

Kate Tracey is an acupuncturist and a doctor of Chinese herbal medicine at the Saltbush Clinic in Austinmer, a mother of two, an environmental activist and a volunteer at The Flame Tree Co-op in Thirroul. Kate shared her story

The Illawarra has changed a lot over the past decade but the Flame Tree Co-op is one of those places that has been a constant presence. It caters to people wanting organic produce and produce with low packaging as well as a way of shopping that has a low impact on the environment. It’s honestly my favourite place to shop and I am always impressed with what I purchase.

Over the years I have volunteered in the shop for community, for fun and for discounted organic produce. Every week I work for two hours in the shop and get 20% off all my shopping. It makes a huge difference and it encourages me to eat primarily organic food and to try new products.

I couldn’t live without the locally-made tempeh wrapped in banana leaf and I love buying all my dry goods, sauces and oils without packaging.

I started volunteering five years ago and have met so many lovely people. Every shift is a dynamic mix of food curating ideas, political discussions, health strategies and musical education. I love the quality of the produce and everything the Flame Tree stands for. I feel very grateful to have this unique shop as part of our community.