From humble beginnings at a community gathering, a few locals bound together with a mission to source food that’s healthy for people and for the environment.
Since those early days, our purpose hasn’t changed, but we’ve proudly grown to become a local hub in our community. Flame Tree has always been about togetherness. The shared stories, the shared plates, the shared hopes and dreams. We hope that when you come in to our little shop you feel that warm welcome.
Kindness and sustainable food grow thriving communities and we aim to have a bounty of both.
Flame Tree is not just a shop, it’s a moving part in a local ecosystem, supporting local farmers to grow seasonal produce and helping the community to reduce packaging, while filling their pantry. You’ll find affordable organic grocery staples, unique locally-produced artisan products, an expansive bulk foods area, and a community vibe and exceptional customer service that simply can’t be found in other stores.
We offer the freshest produce, and cheeses from small operation family farms. When you buy from Flame Tree you’re helping to support the future of our planet, all while nourishing you and yours with delicious food.
Our product mix is carefully chosen to ensure the items on our shelves are ethically sourced and made. Investing in a membership strengthens an alternative business model that puts people and planet before profit. The more we shop together, the more positive change we make.
Our choices today define our tomorrow and we believe how you shop can help change the world. But above all we are your trusted place to come and buy high quality, nourishing food. So come in, hang out and join in!
About Flame Tree
We are a member-owned, not-for-profit co-operative with a focus on sustainable, local and ethical food. We are driven by a commitment to sourcing healthy, fresh, organic produce with minimal or no packaging, and to the democratic business model of the co-operative. Flame Tree operates under a set of rules, which was developed by its members.
We have a core group of paid staff including our Retail Manager, Assistant Retail Manager and casual retail staff. Everyone else who works at the shop and behind the scenes does so as a volunteer including our Directors.
Our Objectives
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Sustainable
Adopt ecologically sound practices and systems throughout the life cycle of products (including minimal packaging and food miles, fair trade, GM free and waste management)
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Local
Support the local economy and employment through relationships with local growers and producers
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Community
Act as a meeting place to foster the environmental, social and personal growth of our community
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Affordable
Carry out our business to enable access to affordable, healthy food
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Healthy
Carry a diverse range of quality products that contribute to healthy living
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Accessible
Provide an accessible shop that is safe and pleasant for shopping
Volunteer With Us
Many of our volunteers work in the shop for a minimum two hour shift once a week. There are also opportunities to work in other areas behind the scenes. For contributing two hours per week to the work of the co-op, volunteers are rewarded with a 10% discount on their shopping (on top of any member discount).
If you would like to learn more about being a volunteer, email the Volunteer Coordinator at flametreevollycoord@gmail.com.
Become a Member
A co-operative is owned and operated by its members. Membership of Flame Tree is $55 annually (with reduced rate of $35 for concession card holders). Membership fees help to keep the co-op viable, and members can shop a discounted rate.
To become a member, please download membership form here or complete in the shop and you become a co-owner of our co-op.
How to Shop
Support our local economy and adopt sustainable shopping habits at Flame Tree Community Food Co-op Thirroul.
STEP 1Preparation
When you enter the store we ask that you please use the hand sanitiser provided at the front door.
Our bulk foods help you to reduce packaging that would otherwise go to landfill. You can bring your own jars and containers or use the donated jars provided. You will need to first weigh your containers and bags on the scales in the shop. Write the weight on the containers using the pens provided. Now, you’re ready to shop!
STEP 2Browse Products
Explore our product range of:
bulk rice, flour, pulses, grains, oats, muesli and puffs
loose leaf teas, herbs and spices
fresh chemical free and organic fruit and vegetables
fresh daily local sourdough bread
dairy items - milk, yoghurt, cheese, cream
farm fresh eggs
locally made sauerkraut and kombucha
tofu and tempeh, including fresh frozen local tempeh
vegan dips and spreads
personal care and sustainable living
and many more!
STEP 3Check Out
When you’re finished, it’s time to bring your items to the point of sale for weighing and processing through the till. Give your member number to receive a 10% discount.
The co-op is run by and for members, and membership fees underpin the ongoing operations of the co-op. If you’d like to become a member you can download our membership application form below.
Visit Us
We’re located only a short walk from Thirroul train station and bus stops.
355 Lawrence Hargrave Dr
Thirroul, NSW, 2515.
Hours
Monday-Friday — 9am-5pm
Saturday — 9am-4pm
Sunday — Closed