The community gather and garden space is being driven by the Euroa Community Action Group (ECAG) and partners. It is supported by Strathbogie Shire Council who provided $10,000 through the Pitch my Project initiative in this year’s Budget.
Mayor, Cr Chris Raeburn said, Council was hugely supportive of projects like this that built community connections, increased food security and had countless health and wellbeing outcomes.
“Council and the ECAG have identified a Council-owned area of land in Brock St, Euroa for the community garden space,” Cr Raeburn said.
“We think it’s the perfect place for people to come together and garden.
“This is about turning an underutilised Council asset into a place that will support more sustainable production of local fruit and vegetable, offering opportunities for locals to eat fresh, healthy food.
“We know there are many in our community who have felt feelings of isolation and loneliness during the coronavirus pandemic. A welcoming, safe space will help tackle these feelings.”
ECAG president Laura Baker said along with their substantial mental health benefits, edible gardens had the power to create greener cities, reduce household waste, strengthen community connectedness, enhance food security, and encourage fresh produce consumption.
“Our vision is to contribute to a vibrant, diverse community who connect, share and grow through local food production and cultivation,” Ms Baker said.
“It will be a space to foster community action as well as build our collective knowledge of gardening and the natural environment. By creating a productive, water efficient community garden with a range of local plants and vegetables, we hope this will inspire residents to build new relationships and to take ideas and food produce back home.’ .”
Ms Baker encouraged the community to share their views on how to make the space the perfect place for locals to gather and garden by visiting www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au.
People are being asked to post their ideas, share pictures of other community garden spaces they have enjoyed and contribute to making the ECAG community garden a place for the whole community.
