By ECMS Communications
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What does it take to create a thriving communal garden? Vision, determination and an enthusiastic community ready to roll up their sleeves!
Kealba Kindergarten in Brimbank, is second home to a culturally diverse group of 38 families. Nominated Supervisor Sarah-Beth Duke says “Parents reckon the community is like family, and they want to spend time at the centre. We’ve never had so much parent involvement.”
Sarah-Beth also volunteers as a Scout leader. Her love of the outdoors and natural inclination “to get stuff done” prompted Sarah-Beth to introduce something that would benefit the entire local community, whatever their age.
“I was chatting to parents about the cost of living, and we said, why not grow our own food?” And this is how the Kealba Community Garden sprung to life!
The team swung into action and approached local organisations for contributions. “Brimbank council supplied the pots, Pascoe Vale Garden Centre donated soil, and Bunnings gave us lots of plants and fruit trees. Our garden cost zero dollars and it’s free for everyone to use!” Planting and maintaining the garden is definitely an all-age effort. “We’re big on getting children to take ownership, we give them the idea and they run with it.”
The Over 55’s group at the neighbouring community centre have been particularly active, and love spending time with the children and their families. “They’ve given great advice, about how to keep the birds from eating our plants, and how to look after the pots.”
And like the local community, the plants are diverse. “We’re growing all sorts of food. As well as the usual herbs and veggies, we’ve got Bush Tucker and fruit trees that are local to our area.”
The children’s comments are best of all “I can’t wait to eat them. Worms help our plants grow. The colour pots are like rainbow friends.”
The Kealba team are planning a community Open Day to celebrate. “We’ll mark it with the unveiling of a thank you sign on the park gate, and of course the food will be yummy” smiles Sarah-Beth.
About us: Kealba is a community-based multi-age 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten located in the north east City of Brimbank.
