This week we chat to one of longest serving and adored volunteers, Erst Carmichael. Read along as Erst shares why she loves being part of the Lyttleton community and her pearls of wisdom on where to find the best coffees, local artists and stunning nature walks.

Name

Erst Carmichael

How long have you been volunteering/involved with the Lyttleton community?

Over 5 years as a volunteer.

What do you love most about Lyttleton?

That it sells organic produce and local artisan wares/artworks and provides space for learning new skills for sustainable living in the face of natural disasters. It is a wonderful example of many aspects of sustainability in its aim for zero waste, creation of preserves/ferments/jams in the kitchen and above all community building activities fostered by young people who care.

Your favourite recipe that your mum use to make?

My mum made great apple pie and custard, my dad made interesting omelettes with fresh picked field mushrooms from friends’ farms.

Favourite produce to cook with?

I love stir fries with fresh organic vegetables

What do you think is the most under-rated produce?

Choko – goes well in baked veg

My most used cookbook is…

Moosewood cookbook – especially the old one I used when I lived on a farm, cooked on a fuel stove and had time to enjoy it

What do you like to listen to when you’re in the kitchen?

I love listening to ABC radio and Irish music when cooking in the kitchen

Favourite artisan from the Blue Mountains?

Steve Sheridan & artist Debbie Morrison

A must do art/craft/creative workshop is…

Botanic art or basket weaving

My favourite artisan ware I’ve purchased from Lyttleton is... a breadknife by the Leura Bodger for slicing lovely Lyttleton sourdough

What is your favourite thing to grow in the garden? Tomatoes of many varieties, especially yellow ones.

Your best tip for gardening..

Make the time to take care of it – something I find hard to do. When I do, I love getting the compost, planting seeds or seedlings, watering & mulching then watching them grow.

The most unusual thing I’ve grown is...

Yakon from Colombia. Its tubers can be eaten raw (sweet & crunchy) or cooked.

Best place to grab a coffee in the mountains?

Black Cockatoo at Lawson and Blue Mist in WWF for a pot of chai tea

My favourite place to get in touch with nature is.. South Lawson Park waterfall loop

To get a true taste of the mountains head to… Blue Gum Forest in Blackheath

If you’ve been thinking about getting involved with volunteering, now is the perfect time to reach out and get involved with our beautiful community. We have a variety of roles to suit all different kinds of skills and experience. You can find out more about our volunteering opportunities here.

LIVES OF LYTTLETON #3: Erst Carmichael