- Funding for 19 community gardens across the State
- More than $250,000 in funding committed in 2015 to grassroots community organisations
- Allows community members to connect with the environment and other people
The State Government has announced funding for 19 organisations to maintain or start community gardens as part of the second round of the Government's Community Gardens Program.
Local Government Minister Tony Simpson said the program provided opportunities for greater understanding between parents, young people and different cultures, as well as opportunities for older people who might become isolated.
"The interest in the program has been overwhelming, which shows the imperative of providing funding for developing these important community facilities across the State," Mr Simpson said.
The Minister said to date, 27 projects totalling $349,932 had been funded by the Liberal National Government, through the Department of Local Government and Communities, as part of its commitment to encourage social interaction and healthy living with the community.
Projects funded through the grants will allow community members to more fully participate in community life, connect with the environment and other people, and use their skills and give back to the community.
The Community Gardens Program provides up to $20,000 for new community gardens and up to $10,000 for existing community gardens.
Funding can cover items such as garden feasibility, planning and design; development of policies and manuals; training, workshops and other events at the garden; community engagement strategies and projects or building the capacity of the community garden sector and volunteers.
"It is terrific to see such commitment from community organisations making such an effort to improve their local areas and increase community engagement through this program,"
Mr Simpson said.
Fact File
- More than $349,000 committed to date to 27 projects
- Government fulfilling a 2013 election commitment to provide $400,000 over four years for gardens in local government areas
- For more information, visit http://www.communities.wa.gov.au
Minister's office - 6552 6600
Grant Recipients:
Ashbill Community Garden Bridgetown - $6,138
Ashbill Community Garden Bridgetown will use grant funds to establish and maintain a community garden in Bridgetown that is based on organic and environmentally friendly propagation methods, community development principles and is accessible to the whole of the community.
Brownlie Community Focus (Trading as Bentley Community Focus) - $6,950
Bentley Community Focus will use grant funds to purchase raised garden beds, soil, garden materials, a greenhouse and a shredder. The balance of funds will be used for the production of advertising materials and signage and a series of community engagement workshops.
Boyup Brook Community Resource Centre - $7,298
The Boyup Brook Community Resource Centre will use the grant to further develop and expand the existing garden and provide increased promotion and education opportunities for community members. Other costs include the installation of drain pipes and a rainwater tank, reticulation to decrease the pressure on volunteers to water the garden beds, erection of shade sails, conducting community workshops such as composting and plant propagation, and ongoing review and evaluation.
Herdsman Community Garden Association Inc - $20,000
Herdsman Community Garden Association Inc will use grant funds to supply and install Garrison fencing, reticulation, a garden shed, compost holder, worm farm and garden beds. Funds will also be used to develop concept plans by a landscape architect.
Halls Creek Community Garden - $19,959
Halls Creek Community Garden will use the grant funds to purchase materials and equipment needed to establish and prepare the layout of the garden for planting; engage a horticulturalist and landscape designer to provide advice during the design and construction phase; and develop information materials and promote community engagement. Funds will also be used to purchase gardening tools, seedling, piping and shade cloth.
Joondanna Community Garden - $8,657
Joondanna Community Garden will use grant funds to provide improved access for less able bodied people, those in wheelchairs and those with prams. A permanent pathway will be constructed linking the lower garden to the upper terrace to allow access for events and educational sessions. Funds will also be used to erect a venue to accommodate a larger number of participants to events throughout the year, irrespective of inclement weather, to ensure continuous community engagement.
North Perth Community Garden - $6,604
North Perth Community Garden will use grant funds to build and develop a dedicated plant propagation area comprising a metal and plastic dome greenhouse with benches inside and outside the structure for the use of all members. The funds will also include the development of zero waste, expanding the existing composting operation to black composting bins and other materials. The remaining funds will be used to develop a comprehensive procedures manual covering all aspects of the garden.
Pinjarra Community Garden - $20,000
Pinjarra Community Garden will use grant funds to set up the irrigation system, build pathways, concrete soil bays and lids for existing soak wells. Funds will also be used to erect shaded community areas; purchase specialised garden beds, soil and fertilisers for the first stage of allotment style garden beds; and erect a community wheel garden and gazebo. The Balance of funds will be used to provide community workshops, develop a website, and advertising and printing of workshop materials.
Mundijong Heritage Community Garden - $6,015
The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (WA) will use grant funds to purchase a rain water tank and guttering to enable run-off from the building into the tank with a pump to provide practical water pressure.
Merredin Community Men's Shed Inc - $10,000
Merredin Community Men's Shed Inc will use grant funds to purchase two lockable garden sheds, plants and garden equipment, shade structure materials, security and signage, flyers for the promotion website, garden materials ie soils and reticulation items. A workshop on composting, watering system installations and maintenance will be held, including two open day barbecues with food from the garden.
Shire of Three Springs - $19,734
The Shire of Three Springs will use grant funds to purchase native and bush food plants, shrubs and trees from a professional nursery and seed collection outlets and the purchase of infrastructure items (gravel, bins, seating, chemicals, drip irrigation, water tank, raised garden beds). Costs will also be used for the purchase of signage and printing of a brochure.
City of Armadale - $20,000
The City of Armadale, through the Champions Kitchen Garden project, will design and construct a culturally appropriate garden to include the traditional use of fruit trees, vines, vegetables and herbs as well as create bush tucker and bush medicine to educate Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal families. Costs will fund the design and structure of the garden and a launch of the finished product. The aim of the project is to create a sense of neighbourhood and provide a safe, recreational green space to relax and promote gardening skills while contributing to the indigenous development commitment of recycling, environmental sustainability and cultural practices in an urban setting.
Anglicare WA Inc - $20,000
Anglicare WA Inc will use funds for the set up and establishment of the garden for the community of Balgo. The garden will offer a variety of edible produce, including a range of traditional bush fare as well as vegetables that are available in supermarkets. Fruit trees will be cultivated, with a focus on those that grow well in the climate including citrus, mangoes and bananas. Funds will be used to hire equipment required for clearing the land, fencing for the garden perimeter, a shed for storing tools, connection of water and electricity on site and supplies of garden beds, including seedlings and seed stock.
West Leederville Community Garden - $8,500
West Leederville Community Garden will use grant funds to replace the existing garden with a new entrance, the development of a manual for new and existing members outlining the policies consistent with the town's community garden policy including a Children's Activity Pack and safe gardening manual for young children.
Care for Hedland Environmental Association Inc - $20,000
The association will use grant funds to support the development and implementation of the new proposed community garden on Lots 510 and 511. Costs will include detailed design work, garden materials including reticulation, soils, rock treatments, mesh shade structures, garden furniture, plants and seeds.
South Lake Ottey Family and Neighbourhood Centre - $6,650
The grant funds will be used to add a bush tucker garden and install a mosaic of the Noongar Seasons, raise garden beds and provide a series of workshops to develop skills and competence in growing food, waste minimisation and soil composting. Costs would also include purchasing four raised garden beds, seedlings and fruit trees, upgrading of the reticulation system and development of policies and procedures for the operation of the community garden.
Margaret River Regional Environment Centre Inc - $20,000
Margaret River Regional Environment Centre Inc will use grant funds to finalise and implement the plans to build sustainable gardens. To complete the project, funds will be used for establishing the infrastructure and garden beds, building a storage shed for tools with a potting shed and greenhouse and the purchase of a compost bin, worm farm and fencing protection. The centre will also host a 'wicking bed' and other workshops.
Shire of Kondinin - $4,800
The Shire of Kondinin will direct grant funds to assist in the preparation of the garden area as well as purchase assorted garden materials, creating garden paths, building shelters, fences, reticulation/irrigation, drainage and rain water collections. Costs will also include the purchase of resources required for the nature playground. The aim of the project is to increase community development, consultation and interaction between residents.
Shire of Kulin - $20,000
The Shire of Kulin will use grant funds for professional services, ie to design the area, assist with planting, marketing the project, site works to clear and level the area, establish a water system, connect electricity, purchase materials for garden beds and install/build garden beds and purchase soils and associated items.
Total Funding: $251,305
