Rushworth Community Garden
A group of keen gardeners in Rushworth concerned about extreme weather impact on their backyards witnessed their exotic plants suffer and fail in the heat – exacerbating their sense of hopelessness. Concern also for local wildlife in escalating summer heatwaves led the community to wanting a better understanding of habitat, resilient plant species and local natural environment.
The community project began by revitalising what was a weed-infested site on the edge of town into indigenous wildflower beds. Every week the area became a hive of activity of weeding, pruning, re-planting and mulching.
The working bees brought the community together and built a sense of shared purpose and new initiatives emerged including a community food swap, home-grown produce and recipes, a seed bank, demonstration site and art resource for botanic drawing classes, natural dying and basket weaving.
Objectives
We acknowledge and respect Victorian Traditional Owners as the original custodians of Victoria’s land and waters, their unique ability to care for Country and deep spiritual connection to it. We honour Elders past and present whose knowledge and wisdom has ensured the continuation of culture and traditional practices. We are committed to enabling self-determination for all Aboriginal people and aim to work closely with the Aboriginal community to drive action and improve outcomes especially in the context of a changing climate.