Garden to open its gates for 40th celebration

THE Geelong West Community Garden (GWCG) will celebrate its colourful and fruitful 40-year history with an open day this Sunday, December 14.

Visitors will be able to share memories, stroll around the garden and chat to members.

President Matt Lane is keen to see former members, families and others from the wider community.

“We’re thrilled to have reached this milestone and we’ll definitely build on the strong foundations of those who started the garden by caring for and developing this facility and connecting people wanting to grow veggies together as it’s so good for their health and wellbeing,” he said.

When it was established, community gardens were rare, and so Geelong West was ahead of its time.

With support from the former Geelong West City Council, six keen gardeners started removing rubble and growing food together on council land in Autumn Street.

One of the original members, Mike Ostojic, remains an active member. He enjoys being with others and is always willing to share his gardening knowledge and produce.

“This is like a second home for me because I have made so many friends and grown heaps of vegetables over the years,” he said.

The original members and supporters saw the benefits of sharing gardening ideas and produce, growing organic vegetables, organising fun activities, holding community events and welcoming students, families and community organisations to see how food is produced.

Growing edibles has also meant gardening sustainably, building greater biodiversity and reducing food miles.

Rosemary Nugent, a member for 35 years, is another keen contributor to the garden.

“I can’t believe it’s our 40th birthday! We are grateful to our fabulous community and to council for their ongoing support and encouragement,” she said.

“Over the years we have gone from strength to strength by holding some fantastic events and hosting schools and organisations which brings people together. In this way we are able to be responsible custodians of the land and share this valuable asset with the wider community.”

Lane said GWCG acknowledgesd the legacy of the early members and looked to the future with excitement.

“Visitors will be amazed at our recent transition to productive, above ground water efficient wicking beds called food cubes. We are very grateful to council for their support in helping us to make this transition.

“Hopefully people will come to our 40th birthday celebrations and be inspired to grow food in their own gardens.”

GWCG is at 129 Autumn Street, Geelong West. Sunday’s open day will run from 3pm to 4pm.