The Life With Gusto Project, supported by the Australian Government Department of Health Ageing, is setting up community gardens at Strathalbyn, Milang and Clayton Bay, as a major part of its promotion of nutritious eating and physical activity in the Strathalbyn districts.
Local residents and organisations of Strathalbyn have expressed an interest in the vacant lot behind Myranth House in High St, the R-6 Eastern Fleurieu Campus garden and even a proposal to locate vegetable gardens in private backyards. Further interest was expressed at a recent meeting of the Strathalbyn Garden Club, with special guest, Tess Minnett of Duck Flat Community Garden.
Karen Barrett of Goolwa is the new Life With Gusto Community Gardens Coordinator, appointed to work with local communities to set up gardens at Milang, Clayton Bay and Strathalbyn. She is currently completing her certificate in Youth Work, has a background in youth projects and programs and is an active and original member of the Cittaslow Goolwa Community Garden.
Already the communities of Clayton Bay and Milang have held public meetings and voted to revitalise the garden at Milang Campus, and establish a community garden at Clayton Bay Community Hall.
“There is no better way to bring people together than by growing nutritious fruit and vegetables,” said Karen Barrett. “Community gardens are great for healthy exercise, getting to know people, sharing knowledge resources and turning ordinary places into extraordinary ones”, she said.
The community gardens and their supporters are looking for local volunteers who are motivated and enthusiastic and wish to develop skills in horticulture, organic or permaculture gardening. Also, volunteers will be given opportunities to grow their own fresh produce, to make good friends, take part in interesting, learning activities, and even work towards qualifications in Active Volunteering.
For further information contact Karen Barrett or Don Chapman, Life With Gusto, Milang Old School House Community Centre, 8537 0687, email karen.barrett@moshcc.com.au
This Project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health Ageing