Proposed Community Garden Project for Atherton.

Tableland Community Link, Outcomes & Mission Australia have obtained a funding grant via Blueprint for the Bush Strengthening Rural Communities - Our Place Our Future funding initiative.
The overall aim is to develop an organic community garden in Atherton whereby people withdisabilities, youth at risk, long term unemployed people and the general community can volunteer and work together to establish and maintain a sustainable fruit and vegetable
garden.

At this preliminary stage this project needs community support, so if you have an interest in community gardens in general or this project in particular, please contact Lousie, the project coordinator and let her know.

Louise Cross
Atherton Community Garden Project
c/o Tableland Community Link
11 Grove St, Atherton. 4883
athertoncommunitygarden@gmail. com

Ph 4962223 or 0400708682

Project stages/timeline:

  1. 1-3 are to be completed by Sept 08
  2. 4-5 possible beginning of 2009
  3. 6+ 2009 and beyond.


The first step for Atherton to obtain a Community Garden is to consult, establish a plan, research and develop a funding proposal for the project, and this is where we are at now. Site location and security of tenure (Currently in negotiation) Our intention is to develop a 3 year funding submission/proposal to cover all setup costs, including:

  • Begin the design and establishment of the garden.
  • Utilise volunteers wherever possible.
  • Employ a full time Garden Coordinator to stimulate interest in the garden, provide basic horticulture training based on organic principles, coordinate volunteers.
  • Have an established sustainable community garden run by a committee
    of participants.

But first the community needs to show its interest in the project; individuals, business and existing community groups. The project is funded for 10 weeks to obtain the necessary information and formulate a funding submission. The organisers wish to have contact with as many interested community groups,individuals and business during this period, it's not a great deal of time so your help would be greatly appreciated.

If you could forward this email to anyone you feel might be interested in the project that would be wonderful.

Some possible wild ideas for the project are ( in no particular order):

  • The site become a 'Work for the Dole' venue
  • The garden is Wheelchair and disability friendly
  • The site is managed as ecologically soundly as possible (Solar,
    Composting, Worms, Rainwater)
  • The site can be used for none gardening activities (Poetry,
    Art/Sculpture)
  • The site provide healthy fresh fruit and veg for participants
  • Alternative trading scheme operate from the site (such as LETS)
  • Elders who no longer have a garden can impart knowledge (residents
    of Nursing Homes)
  • Various levels of participation possible from passive to active so
    that all people can be included.
  • The site be a venue for youth activities.
  • The Garden be managed by a committee of users
  • Work experience and work skills venue
  • Genuine integration by participants from disadvantaged groups.
  • Cooking and Feasts from the produce
  • That businesses and community groups be credited for involvement via
    signage
  • Volunteers actively encouraged be they casual or regular.
  • Improve biodiversity of area where garden is situated
  • Learning environment for children
  • Learning environment for adults
  • The garden be a sensory experience
  • The garden have support from local businesses.