Darley Community Art Garden uses sponsorship funding to bring the community together

The Darley Community Art Garden (DCAG) in Bacchus Marsh received a local community sponsorship in our 2022 Thriving Communities grants and sponsorships program.

The DCAG is a space for the local community to gather, learn about growing organic food and even start their own garden bed. Volunteers help less experienced gardeners learn about growing food.

They hold regular gatherings at the garden where the community can swap any excess produce, plants, or seeds. Lisa, one of the volunteers at the Garden, says that the funding has helped to create more opportunities for people to connect.

“This sponsorship has allowed DCAG to hold free events, bringing the community together through fun activities, in a time where many are doing it tough.” she says.

“The grant has also helped raise awareness of the many benefits of community gardens including physical and mental health, social interactions, lowering the cost of food and learning new skills.”

So far in 2023, DCAG has had a community pizza night using produce from the garden as pizza toppings. Last weekend, their Easter Fair had free activities for local children, like egg and spoon races and a chocolate egg hunt. Next up, they’re hosting a Mother’s Day gift making day and a backyard bee-keeping workshop.

Our Thriving Communities grants and sponsorships program is taking applications. If you've got a project that promotes participation in the life of our region, we'd love to hear from you. We encourage local groups including community, not-for-profit, educational, health and local government organisations to apply.

To find out more about Thriving Communities and to apply online, visit our grants and sponsorships page.

Applications are open until 6 April 2023.