Sowing the seeds of community support and food security

THE Murwillumbah Seed Library has turned 10 and the community-driven initiative celebrated at a reunion photo recreation at Murwillumbah Library last week.

The region’s first seed-lending library pioneered a new model of sharing and stewardship in the Northern Rivers beginning with an idea from Murwillumbah local Therese Krix after attending a talk by celebrity gardener Costa Georgiadis.

On hearing about the success of the seed library in Port Macquarie, Krix approached the Murwillumbah Library with a vision for a place where locals could ‘borrow’ seeds, grow plants at home, and return seeds from successful plants.

She believes the project has become a growing expression of community connection and resilience, especially of local food security.

“I’ve been able to grow a diverse variety of plants, including popcorn and loofahs, from free, donated seeds, and I’ve donated literally thousands of seeds back to the library,” Krix said.

Ten years ago, Richmond Tweed Library technician Linda Bell, St Joseph’s Primary School student Tom Gresham and Julia Hancock, horticulturalist and botanical artist launched of the Seed Library. Photo: SUPPLIED

“I encourage everyone to get growing and share your spare seeds.”

The official launch in 2015 was attended by gardening advocates Julia Hancock and then Mayor Katie Milne, alongside students from St Joseph’s Primary School, including Tom Gresham, who returned to celebrate the anniversary.

The modest collection of donated seeds quickly became a flourishing resource supporting hundreds of local households each year.

In its first nine months, the Murwillumbah Seed Library issued over 4,000 packets of seeds, and over the last 10 years, community interest and participation have soared.

It has now distributed more than 90,000 free packets of seeds since its launch, spanning a wide variety of vegetables, herbs and flowers that reflect seasonal variety and local suitability.

The Seed Library at Murwillumbah Library, 10 years and 90,000 seed packets later. Photo: SUPPLIED

Acting Tweed area librarian, Kym Thompson, said it had become more than just a place to pick up seeds.

“We love having the Seed Library here because it’s become a place for knowledge exchange and community bond-building. It celebrates the idea of sharing, sustainability and resilience,” Thompson said.

“We’re proud of what it has become and excited to celebrate 10 years of growing together.”

Community members are welcome to use the Seed Library by joining the library, and each family can take up to five seed packets per visit.

For more information, call 02 6670 2427 or visit rtrl.nsw.gov.au