Community garden takes root

A NEW community garden is making its way to Cranbourne soil.
The ‘Room to Grow’ garden would provide a place for residents to share their skills and interests, as well as combat the growing food insecurity issues in the region by retailing cheap, fresh locally-grown produce.
The State Government announced $23,000 in funding for the project, which will be run at the TurningPoint Family Church in conjunction with the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Cranbourne Community Plan and the City of Casey.
Kathey Blackmont from TurningPoint Family Church said the garden would also support emergency relief agencies with food parcel distribution.
“The one-acre project on the church property on South Gippsland Highway will incorporate a horticultural community training enterprise, community growing beds, a bush tucker garden, a frog friendly habitat, a passive recreation space and a multi-purpose building all open to community groups, school groups and local residents,” Ms Blackmont said.
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said the community garden would sell its produce to local restaurants and schools.
“These projects would not only encourage healthy-eating, but also job and training opportunities for local students and residents of Cranbourne,” Mr Perera said. “This will lead to a better chance of finding employment, as well as giving participants the chance to make social contacts and build confidence.”
An open evening will be held in August to present an overview of the project and concept plan for the site. For more information call the TurningPoint Family Church on 5995 3054.