The Mandurah Community Garden (MCG) was looking lush and green on Thursday between the rainshowers, as stakeholders gathered to celebrate the garden’s success so far with a morning tea.
The Peel Development Commission (PDC) attended to celebrate the ongoing results of the Royalties for Regions funding on $15,484, which has enabled the MCG to upgrade their pathways to allow wheelchair access, add a rear entrance, install a new shed, create more shade and expand the garden areas.
“Developing the capacity of the Mandurah Community Gardens for all person access so more members of the wider community can enjoy what we have here is very important,” PDC chairman Paul Fitzpatrick said.
He said the garden addresses three components of the PDC’s economic development plan: agriculture and food innovation; capable people; and strong and resilient communities.
“It’s very impressive to see the improvements today that have been achieved by the garden’s volunteers and supporters,” he said.
The morning tea also saw the City of Mandurah and Foodbank WA celebrate their three-year partnership with the MCG, which has allowed Foodbank nutritionist Nicole Ingram to run the ‘Garden to Plate’ workshops that teach people the benefits and techniques for growing and cooking with their own fresh produce.
“I really felt that if people can eat more fruit and veggies they’re going to be healthier, we know that for a fact, but if we can also grow them, it’s cheap, it’s easy, fresh, and right outside your back door,” Ms Ingram said.
“There’s a lot of health benefits, learning physical activity and the socialising aspects, which are all really good for connecting our community,” City of Mandurah mayor Marina Vergone said.
The City was heavily involved in the setup of the gardens in 2008, and handed it over to the Mandurah Community Garden incorporated group in 2012.
The City of Mandurah and Foodbank partnership has been renewed for the next three years, which includes $15,000 in funding from the City.
“If you’re involved in the community gardens, there’s a network of support here, there’s a network of people, we do seedlings, you can swap or borrow produce or seeds or seedlings with other members,” Ms Ingram said.
Membership is only $15 per year, with extra fees for private lots.
For more information on the Mandurah Community Gardens, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/MandurahCommunityGardens
