The success of the 2022 Central Coast Edible Garden Trail took everyone by surprise.
As a project of Permaculture Central Coast, it was always the aim of the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail to give back to the local community in some way. Funds raised from ticket sales enabled the Trail and Permaculture Central Coast to fund an outreach program of workshops for people living with a disability, as well as give a sizeable donation to twelve of the Central Coast’s wonderful community Gardens, many of which played an integral part in the workshops.
Outreach Program
The outreach program was designed by Sue Bradley of In8lygood and SWAMP Central Coast. By building authentic relationships across multiple organisations, the program supported community gardens and disadvantaged young people, by providing a series of engaging and hands on workshops that included –
- Hugelkultur
- No dig gardening
- Building insect hotels
- Making weed teas and natural fertilisers
- Nature weaving
- Composting and worm farming
- Making medicinal teas
- Planting and mulching a market garden and
- Harvesting and cooking freshly picked produce
Community Collaboration
Collaboration has been key, with fifteen organisations involved, including the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail, Permaculture Central Coast, nine community gardens, You Connect, Options Disability, and Synergy Permaculture.
The sessions were facilitated by permaculture teachers Kerrie Anderson from Synergy Permaculture and Matthew Silavant from Options Disability.
“It has just been so wonderful! The participants have really engaged with the program with so much enthusiasm and joy.”
Kerrie Anderson
“Permaculture Central Coast is committed to caring for the earth, caring for people, and the fair share of resources. We are delighted to support this program which helps the participants connect with our environment and each other. The Edible Garden Trail and Permaculture Central Coast are not just about growing food but also about growing community and we are looking forward to seeing what other initiatives, we can grow together next year. I hope you can join us.”
clara peto, president of permaculture central coast
2023 Giving Back
With funds raised from the 2023 Central Coast Edible Garden Trail, Permaculture Central Coast was able to make financial donations to thirteen of the Central Coast’s Community Gardens.
Our community gardens play such an integral role in the local community – providing learning opportunities for those interested in gardening and access to fresh, healthy food. They also play an important job in improving food security for the area. They offer social connection and physical and mental health benefits – vital within the community.
Community gardens like SWAMP in Tuggerah, have partnered with other groups to donate food grown in their garden so that it can be distributed directly to those who face food insecurity and low access to fresh food. The also work with schools and disability groups who attend the garden to help them achieve their goal of ‘Community Growing Food for Community’.
