Good Ground garden is a prize winner

FEDERATION University received a high commendation for the Wayn-Gurr Derrk Indigenous Community Gardens on the Mt Helen campus.

The gardens were recognised at the Tertiary Education Management Excellence in Community Engagement Awards.

Launched in March 2018, ‘Wayn-Gurr Derrk’ provides access to local indigenous foods and education on how to prepare them.

Local Elders are great supporters of the gardens, and along with the scouts and the kids from the University’s Children’s Centre, frequently visit them.

Plants in the garden, which in the Wadawurrung language means Good Ground, include Black Plum, Small Leaved Tamarind, Lemon Myrtle, and Red Back Ginger, all of them providing a selection of herbs and edible fruit and vegetables.

The University sees the project as an important contribution towards its Australia Reconciliation Action Plan by supporting and building relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff.