Nearly a tonne of local olives saved from waste
Fruit Rescue has completed its inaugural Warrnamb-oil olive collection, with 913kg of locally grown olives gathered from backyards and community spaces across Warrnambool, Koroit, and Port Fairy.
Thanks to the generosity of local residents and the dedication of volunteers, these olives which were once destined to go to waste have been transformed into more than 140 litres of fresh, local olive oil this week.
Over an action-packed weekend, 40 volunteers of all ages raked, scraped, shook, and reached for olives while a drop off point was hosted at Warrnambool Community Garden for those who self-picked.
The harvest culminated at a property with over 100 olive trees, where the team gathered to harvest more than 200kg at the single site.
“This was a true community effort,” said Courtney Mathew, Director of Fruit Rescue.
“We’re absolutely floored by the volume of olives collected being so close to one tonne. It’s proof of the power of collective action and the forgotten abundance in our neighbourhoods.”
The freshly picked olives were delivered to Grampians Olive Co. where the team provided a behind-the-scenes tour of the olive oil making process, including rinsing, sieving, mashing, malaxing and spinning the olives in a centrifuge to separate the oil.
In zero-waste focus, every part of the olive is repurposed: leaves and twigs become sheep fodder, the remaining pulp and liquid are used as soil conditioner in the groves, and even the pips are given second purpose as mulch.
The olive oil will be distributed to those who contributed olives, time, or trees, with any surplus available by donation at the Warrnambool Community Garden’s weekly market from 18 June onwards to support Fruit Rescue’s ongoing work in food waste reduction and community food security.
“We can’t wait to see the delicious dishes our community can enjoy with this local oil,” Ms Mathew added. “It’s so rewarding to know that what would have been waste is now nourishing our community.”
Since its inception in late 2023, Fruit Rescue has made a significant impact in the community. They have redistributed nearly five tonnes of produce which is the equivalent of over $36,000 in value.
Fruit Rescue extends thanks to the volunteers, property owners, and supporters who made this year’s olive harvest possible. Plans for 2026 are already underway.
