See how the garden is growing

INTERESTED to leave a green-thumbed mark on the Meredith Community Garden, or just want to see how it’s been going and growing?

A garden open day will be held on Wednesday 13 December from 1pm to 3pm, and Meredith Sharing Shed co-founder Linda Wong said it’s all about celebrating new additions to the space.

“There are some assets in the garden that the year 4, 5, and 6s at Meredith Primary School have completed,” she said. “We’ve built six more wicking beds.

“There is a mural of an animal on the shipping container now, which the students had part in creating, and local Ballarat artist Robyn Fisher came and did the painting for us.”

At the open day, the children will be performing an original piece of music which relates to their learning and endeavours in the garden.

“They have learnt a song that’s been created specifically for them in a workshop by Ballarat artist Amie Brûlée, and they’ll perform a song and dance for the community,” Ms Wong said.

The students get involved in the community garden as part of Hands of Change’s Nurturing Young Minds for their Future program.

Four groups have taken part in this initiative since it launched in 2020, and more are expected to take part next year.

“We have more to do, which means more kids can get another crack at going through the program,” Ms Wong said.

“We often notice that children who do it one year will act like mentors for the younger kids the next year.

“The best feedback we get is from grandparents and parents who say their kids talk about the program, what they learn, and the enthusiasm speaks volumes.”

Ms Wong encourages local residents to get involved with the garden as it’s there for them to use and enjoy.

“It’s only going to be as good as what the community puts into it,” she said.

The Nurturing Young Minds for their Future program has been backed by the Geelong Community Foundation.