Connect and Learn - Preserving Produce: Zucchinis 10 Ways

Connect & Learn + Share Table Preserving Produce: Zucchinis 10 Ways presented by Debbie Bassingthwaighte Monday 16 November 2026 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm at Level 3 Meeting Rooms, Toowoomba City Library, Corner of Herries and Victoria Streets, Toowoomba, QLD 4350 or online via Zoom You'll receive the Zoom link after you book. This event is organised by Permaculture Toowoomba Inc. Bookings are Essential Please book so we have your contact details and know how many will be attending. What We'll Do 6.30 pm - Learn - Preserving Produce: Zucchinis 10 Ways Presented by Debbie Bassingthwaighte, Nurtured Life Have you ever found yourself with a zucchini glut or other garden produce and wondered what on earth you’re going to do with them all? Zucchinis are wonderfully productive garden plants, but when they really get going, it can be a challenge to keep up! The good news is that there are plenty of delicious ways to transform and preserve your harvest, allowing you to enjoy the abundance long after the garden has stopped producing. In this practical Connect and Learn evening, Debbie will share at least 10 ways to preserve and use zucchinis, from traditional favourites to some more unusual ideas. We’ll explore: • Traditional CWA Zucchini Pickles • Lacto-fermented Zucchinis • Zucchini Relish • Chocolate Zucchini Cake • Dehydrated Zucchini Salt & Vinegar Chips • Zucchini Marmalade • Zucchini Brownies • Zucchini Fritters • Zucchini and Herb Muffins • And more! Along the way, Debbie will share ideas for preserving the harvest, reducing food waste, and making the most of seasonal abundance. You’ll discover ways to turn a humble zucchini (or other garden produce) into something delicious, from savoury preserves and fermented vegetables to sweet treats and handy pantry staples. Debbie will share recipes and bring little samples to taste. So, if your garden is producing more zucchinis than you know what to do with, or you simply love discovering new ways to preserve and enjoy home-grown produce, come along for an evening of ideas, inspiration and plenty of zucchini! Bring your questions, your curiosity and perhaps your favourite zucchini story to share. Let’s celebrate the abundance of the garden and make sure nothing goes to waste. About Debbie Bassingthwaighte Debbie is a learning specialist and designer who is passionate about permaculture-inspired resilience, abundance, and connected communities. She was the founding President of Permaculture Toowoomba Inc. and continues to enjoy an active role on the management committee. Debbie lives with her husband Brodie and their cavoodle Monty, at their micro-homestead in Toowoomba, where she enjoys growing food and living simply. She is also the voice behind Nurtured Life, where she shares practical garden skills, plant knowledge, recipes, and reflections on wellbeing and sustainable, nature-connected living. Debbie hopes to inspire others to nurture abundance in their homes and gardens. 7.45 pm – Connect – Light Supper (provided) and Share Table A light supper will be served (including Gluten Free and Vegan options). Please bring your own KeepCup or mug so we can reduce waste. Sharing of produce on the Share Table opens after the presentation to allow plenty of time for everyone to place their donations, and then allow you to browse, connect and make your selections during supper. Parking Free off-street parking is available under the library (enter from Victoria Street). Access The venue has access for wheelchairs, walking frames, and strollers as needed. Everyone is welcome (including children with parental supervision). We hope we see you there! What to Bring • KeepCup or similar for your drink at supper (we're trying to minimise waste) • Donations of surplus produce for the Share Table Share Table Do you have surplus? We encourage you to bring your surplus produce, plants, seeds, books, craft supplies, and resources to share with others at our events. Some ideas of what you could bring include – fruit, vegetables, herbs, eggs, honey, milk, jams, pickles, preserves, jars, ferments, starters, SCOBYs, seeds, plants, seedlings, cuttings, tubers, pots, tools, gardening magazines, permaculture books, recipes, patterns, manure, coffee grounds, compost additives, worms, mealworms, wool, fabric, craft supplies, soap, natural cleaning products, plastic alternatives, produce bags – the list is extensive. Please bring whatever you can and then take home whatever you need within our culture of generosity and free sharing. Cost • Financial Members of Permaculture Toowoomba Inc. - Free • First time visitors to a Permaculture Toowoomba Inc. event - $10.00 • Non-Members - $20.00 • Children attending with an Adult - Free (but please book so we know the total numbers) Membership 2026 Annual Membership of Permaculture Toowoomba Inc. is due by 31 December each year. It's only $50 per person or $40 for a second or subsequent adult living in the same home. Financial Members can attend regular events and workshops during the year at no cost. You can pay your membership for 2026 at checkout when you book to attend this event. Membership forms will be available at the event for anyone wishing to join, or available here for download at http://www.permaculturetoowoomba.com.au/membership/