Celebrating the Power in the Soil with Dr. Mary Cole

Victorian Rural Women of 2025 and long-time friend of the farm, Dr Mary Cole, is coming to give us a talk about how we can take care of our soil today and for the future. If you are a home or community gardener or are interested in sustainability, this event is for you!

“Celebrating the power in the soil” will open your eyes to all the life occurring within our soils and explain how we can support and protect them to help people, wildlife and the environment flourish. Mary will give a 45-minute talk with slides showing us what she has learned over many decades of work in this field. The presentation will be followed by an outside hot composting demonstration and light refreshments for attendees.

Key information:

• Date: Saturday December 6th 

• Time: 10am: Cuppa and chat, 10:30am: Workshop begins.

• Location: Down's Community Farm, 190 Old Wells Road, Seaford.

• Cost: Free - bookings required to reserve your spot!

• Accessibility: There is an accessible car park and toilet on site.

More about Dr. Mary Cole:

Mary Cole is an expert in mycology, plant pathology, and soil microbiology. (Supplied: AgriFutures). Mary Cole grew up on the lush Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, deeply influenced by her father and his Indigenous elder friend, who instilled in her a profound respect for the natural world.

Now an internationally recognised expert in mycology, plant pathology and soil microbiology, with a career spanning more than five decades, Dr Cole was named the winner of Victoria's AgriFutures Rural Women's Award for her pioneering work in biological farming and soil microbiology, and her commitment to ensuring a healthier future for agriculture.

Her work advocates for no-till pasture cropping to preserve fungal networks vital to soil health, and the use of natural bio-fertilisers derived from compost and compost tea, which offer a cost-effective alternative to synthetic inputs.