SOUTH Coffs Community Garden has been successful in securing funding of $15,515 under the state government’s 2020 Community Building Partnership Program, which is helping grassroots projects make a real difference in our community.

The gardens, which are located behind the Boambee East Community Hall in Bruce King Drive were started in 2017 and have grown and created improved amenities continuously since then.

Local member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said, “South Coffs Community Garden members are to be congratulated for their successful application – their project is all about enhancing their ability to promote community participation while reducing environmental impact.”

The group’s 35 members will benefit from the purchase of new equipment that will reduce the amount of manual labour needed.

President John Higgins advised that, “The money will go to purchasing a four-in-one bucket for our tractor that will allow us to turn the compost by machine rather than by hand, and it will also fund a new trailer and extra compost bins.

“This will complement the electric ride-on mower and trailer that we were able to buy with other funds from a Council grant that have made hand watering the garden beds a lot easier.”

The Gardens are open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 7:30 to 10:30 during summer, and the team is planning to open their front gate Sunday market in the near future.

The group also presents workshops including ‘Working with Native Bees’, ‘Plot to Pantry’ and ‘Sharpening Tools’.

The Community Garden is run by volunteers who contribute many hours to making it a successful community facility, and they would welcome new members to help out.

For more information go to https://southcoffscg.com/ or call 0438 280 451.

 

By David TUNE