In a fusion of music and community spirit, the Henry Doubleday Research Association of Australia Inc. (HDRAA), based at the Hawkesbury EarthCare Centre in the University of Western Sydney Richmond Campus, will host a delightful afternoon of jazz to celebrate the start of Autumn in style between 3-6 pm on Saturday, 1 March 2025. The concert will showcase the talented young musicians of The Cap Cats, an ensemble from Nepean High School of Performing Arts. It has organised this fundraising concert with a dual purpose: to generate funds for its much-needed new kitchen facilities and to encourage new memberships. 

Despite their youth, the performers, Cap Cats, have already developed a reputation for their sophisticated blend of jazz, blues, and funk. Their repertoire goes beyond traditional jazz standards and includes original compositions. 

The afternoon promises to be a feast for the senses, as the Piggery Lane Studio & Gallery's resident artists will open their doors throughout the event, allowing visitors to explore their creative works whilst enjoying the music.

Henry Doubleday Research Association Australia (HDRAA) is the registered charity that leases the Hawkesbury Earthcare site from the University of Western Sydney. It was initially founded in the 1970s and was "responsible for organic certification in Australia," explained its Secretary Amanda Argent when speaking with the Hawkesbury Post. The founders were a group of horticulturists, university lecturers, and other "cutting-edge people who cared about the earth" who promoted organic gardening practices and renewable energy, such as solar energy.  

HDRAA Secretary Amanda Argent explained: "The charity leases the Hawkesbury EarthCare site from the university for $10 a year. We are responsible for the upkeep of the building."

Since becoming Secretary in 2023, Amanda and the team have been applying for grants to increase the number of community events and initiatives it offers; as Amanda explained to HP:" Our first grant was a $500 pollinator garden. Then we got a flood grant, which we used to host 19 workshops, which was phenomenal. There were topics such as art in the garden, permaculture-based workshops and growing your own food."

"We have also had a grant for an indigenous, edible food forest that replaced mounds in the grass banks. And that's going to be beautiful. We have also just launched an adopt a plant program. We've already had 23 fruit trees donated, so it really becomes a beautiful community garden where people can wander around."

The association offers its members an impressive array of benefits, including complimentary or heavily subsidised gardening courses and access to the EarthCare space for community activities such as book clubs. It also arranges excursions, such as visiting Wendy Whitely's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay, coming up on 22 February.

The Autumn Jazz concert is open to the community to attend. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic, blankets, refreshments, and sunscreen for a relaxed afternoon on the grounds. HDRAA will also sell hampers filled with biscuits, cheese, and nibbles for an additional $10.

The Jazz event will go ahead, rain or shine, and HDRAA will move the performance into the Earth building if things get damp.

Tickets are $10 each or $15 for a family. For enquiries about joining the Henry Doubleday Research Association of Australia Inc. (HDRAA), contact Amanda Argent at 0409 513 337 / [email protected]