The Fair Trade conversation first began in December 2014, when local couple Maggie and Darryl Patterson hosted an information night alongside the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand, at St Saviour's Cathedral Hall.

They planted the seed for a long campaign, focused on stable prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in developing countries.

After a meeting with Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Geoff Kettle and general manager Warwick Bennett, the matter was presented to a council meeting in February 2015.

The council resolved to promote awareness, education and sustainability in a bid to achieve Fair Trade status, and a team comprising councillor Carol James, economic development officer Debbi Rodden, marketing officer Paige Penning, and Pam Waldock as community representative.

Cr Kettle said the accreditation was a star moment for the city.

"This is a huge achievement, and sets Goulburn apart from other regional centres in Australia," he said. "Fair Trade is an important movement in our modern world, and I am proud that Goulburn Mulwaree is a leader in this area."

Over the past year and a half, the Fair Trade team has worked with the council and the community towards the accreditation.

Fair Trade tea and coffee has been made available to all council employees at work, while six local organisations have achieved Fair Trade Community accreditation: the Park Cafe, Farmer Feld's, Grace Community Church, F5 Anglican Fellowship, Goulburn Fair Trade and Carol James Real Estate. Ten Fair Trade retailers have also been identified.

Furthermore, the Goulburn community has participated in or hosted 14 events over the past two years, including the Global Fair Trade Coffee Challenge, Harmony Day and the Sydney Royal Easter Show.