Local community gardens have been given an additional $300,000 through the State Government’s Community Gardens Grants Program.
The community garden projects aim to encourage communities to come together, establish relationships and connect to the natural environment.
A total of $508,000 has been awarded through the 2023-24 Community Gardens Grants Program to 64 organisations, 29 of which received it in December 2023.
The grants are available to incorporated not-for-profit community organisations, local government authorities and community groups.
Community Services Minister Sabine Winton and Scarborough MLA Stuart Aubrey visited one of the grant recipients, North Beach Coastal Community Garden, last week.
The North Beach Coastal Community Garden was established in conjunction with the City of Stirling in 2022.
Anyone living in Trigg, Watermans Bay or the North Beach area is welcome to join the group.
“The North Beach Coastal Community Garden has worked hard to build a space that brings local people together in a unique way,” Mr Aubrey said.
“The Community Garden Grants Program supports organisations like North Beach Coastal Community Garden that are predominantly run by volunteers. It recognises their hard work and supports them to grow to their full potential.”
The North Beach Coastal Community Garden will use the $10,000 grant for garden beds, creating paths for accessibility purposes and developing a shared area and gathering space.
Current features of the garden include a waterwise approach, a 5000-litre water tank with flowmeter, use of repurposed materials, assorted fruit trees and a combination of water saving wicked beds and raised garden beds for vegetables.
Ms Winton said community gardens were the “lifeblood of a region or suburb” in getting neighbours of all ages connected in an active manner to learn new skills and give back to the community.
The St Vincent de Paul Society also received $10,000 to establish the Mirrabooka Community Food Centre community garden, developing a model for community food centres that provide access to affordable and culturally appropriate food.