The basics of being a Barwon Oil Baron are quickly learned. If you haven’t done this before, you may find the answers to your questions below.
In what areas can I drop my olives off to be processed?
The locations will vary from year to year, but they can usually be found in the vicinity of Belmont, Anakie, Ocean Grove, and Mount Moriac.
Can you come and pick my olives?
Sorry, we are flat out picking our own olives. We suggest you ask friends, family, and neighbours. Picking olives with a picnic is a really fun day.
When should I pick the olives?
Pick your olives within 24 hours before delivering them to us.
How much oil will I get?
Oil yield is different each time, usually between 10-20% of the volume of the olives picked.
What does it cost to have my olives processed?
Around $10 per litre. This is subject to change, as the exact price depends on the cost of pressing and the total volume of olives collected.
Do you make a profit?
Barwon Oil Barons is completely volunteer run. Any excess funds go back into infrastructure such as oil containers, scales, batteries, receipt books, ute hire, petrol, volunteer t-shirts, banners, etc.
How do I register?
We run our booking through Humanitix. Follow us there for notifications of upcoming collections.
What type of olive do I have on my tree?
As an example (because there are many more) please check out these olive identification pages to identify your olive varieties. 13 Varieties of Fruiting Olive Trees You Can Grow
Are my olives suited to processing?
All olives can be processed into olive oil. Mixed with a blend of local olives from other residents provide a great taste blend. You may be surprised to hear that small olives produce a higher yield than larger olives per weight. So please do not discard the value of your small olives.
What container should I use to put my olives in?
Please see the recommended equipment information.
Is there a minimum quantity of olives we can drop off?
5 kilograms is the minimum quantity that can be contributed to the olive oil pressings.
What condition do the olives need to be in?
We take all olives in good condition and picked within 24 hours of dropping them off. Olives that are shrivelled are ok. It’s caused by olives absorbing water when it rains, welling up and then drying out. The olives will be inspected at the collection event before being accepted. Mouldy or damaged olives, even slightly, will not be accepted as they will taint the oil for all of us.
Needless to say that olives which have been trodden on will not be accepted. (We have seen an example of that – and they were rejected)
What if I cannot pick my olives within the 24 hours of dropping them off?
Then please do not participate this year. If you have made a booking at a collection event please use the link provided to you on the booking to cancel your spot and make the opportunity available to someone else. Alternatively, you can contact us via our contact form if your booking cannot be found.
How do I tell good olives from bad?
Olives that have been in bins or buckets for a few days begin to ferment and can smell a bit yeasty. The temperature of the fruit will be warmer than the ambient temperature. Fresh olives are firm, while bad olives will have soft skin, typically at either end or both ends of the olive. They may be browner in colour. At the drop off points volunteers will check each container of olives and reject deliveries that might taint the whole batch of oil.
I don’t have my own trees, where can I pick olives?
Have a look around your area and make contact with locals with olive trees. Ask neighbours, family and friends if you can pick their olives.
Unfortunately we do not have time to organise trees for you to pick.
Where are the olives processed?
We work with Geelong Region Olives who coordinate the olives being processed into oil.
How long does it take to get the oil back?
It generally takes around four weeks from the time your drop the olives off.
Where and when do we collect the oil?
At the day of the drop off we will let you know the actual date and time for you to pick up your oil.
Your pickup location will be the same as the one you selected to drop your olives off.
What container should I bring to put my oil in?
We do not provide containers for your oil.
Please bring containers to sufficiently fit your estimated quantity of olive oil all with a large opening. No wine bottles please.
Decanting into small containers is to be done at home.
How do I pay?
Pay in cash at the collection point. We will not have change or electronic payment options, so please bring the exact amount advised.
What happens to my oil if I do not pick it up on the day?
If you don’t claim your oil on the day of pickup, or make alternative arrangements before the collection date, your oil will be donated to Feed Me Geelong and Feed Me Bellarine.
How can I volunteer?
We welcome volunteers to help with our collection events. Please send us a message via our contact page.
What else can I do with my olives?
Preserving the Italian Way by Pietro Demaio has many ways to preserve olives easily, we recommend and use this book ourselves.
I would like to run a similar project in my area, can I talk to someone about it?
Send a message through our contact page with your name, the location you are in, phone number, and email, and one of our team will be in touch with you.