Local garden celebrates indigenous plants

The Kensington Stockyard Food Garden are growing more indigenous bush foods in their garden, thanks to local community sponsorship funding they received last year, as part of our Thriving Communities grants and sponsorships program.

The garden is a place for the community to gather and grow their own food, deepening their connection to the local environment. The garden contributes to the area’s biodiversity and part of the space is allocated to indigenous plants.

Members of the Kensington Stockyard Food Garden tend to the garden and share the produce. They also run weekly workshops and a monthly morning tea, which are open to all. This work will be continued into the new year, with more indigenous food workshops, hosted by Belinda Williams from Ceres.

The garden supports the local community beyond its members with about a quarter of their annual yield distributed through the McCracken Street Food Pantry or at the garden’s gate.

Dean Stewart, a Wemba Wemba Wergaia man, lent his expertise to this project. Dean has worked on local cultural, conservation and education projects for almost 20 years. His work strengthens people’s understanding of environment, culture and the importance of indigenous plants.

The space for indigenous species is divided into lily, coastal, woodland and aquatic plants, giving the seedlings the best opportunity to thrive. Each plant is signed with its name, how to care for them and ways you can use them.

Programs such as these further our commitment to reconciliation outcomes by increasing understanding and respect for First Nations heritage, histories, cultures and rights. Visit Grants and sponsorships to learn more about our Thriving Communities program.