Forster Neighbourhood Centre Inc.

Forster Tuncurry Community Garden Project

The Forster Tuncurry Community Garden Project received seed funding (sic) from the Department of Community Service's Area Assistance Scheme for July 2006 to June 2008.

Now established, the garden is open to all members of the Great Lakes community to participate in gardening activities (Tuesdays and Fridays), gentle exercise - Tai Chi style (Thursday mornings from 10am), gardening demonstrations and bush tucker talks and walks (3rd Saturday of the month in conjunction with the farmers' market).

The Forster Community Garden consists of 20 large garden beds and 20 smaller ones - all to produce vegetables and culinary herbs. Local bush tucker and Citrus trees have also been planted. A special children's play garden is currently being developed by a young parents group - who meet on Friday mornings in the garden.

The garden design allows for easy access by people in wheelchairs, and boasts a sensory garden for people who are visually impaired. All members of the community are invited to participate in the garden, however, school & community groups are requested to please contact the Neighbourhood Centre prior to visits. The Penenton Creek area is also being rejuvenated - with weeds being replaced by natural bush garden.

Seven Trees for Seven Elders is a special combination of traditional bush food trees, native to this area, acknowledging seven elders from the Worimi people - the original custodians of the land.

The garden volunteers are currently guided by horticulturalist, Megan Cooke, on Tuesdays and the Volunteer Support Worker, Jen Crowther, on Fridays. Monthly garden demonstration days are held in conjunction with the Forster Farmers' Market on the third Saturday of each month - check the Calendar of Events on this website, click on the '3rd Saturday' for demonstration topics and to review a copy of the latest meeting Minutes notes.

The Forster Community Garden is desperate for funds to grow and develop. You can show your support by becoming a Friend of the Forster Community Garden for just $25 p.a. for which you will receive a quarterly newsletter and invitations to special events.

The Community Garden volunteers are thrilled to have won the June Telstra Enviro Award in conjunction with Network 10, as presented during the weather section on June 26th 2008 of the Channel 10 news.

The Tuncurry Outreach Garden was established February 2008 and is situated at the Knidilan Childcare Centre in Capel Street, Tuncurry. Operating with a different structure (only open to the public during the work hours) residents, parents and grandparents of children who are enrolled there can volunteer by contacting Kindilan Childcare Centre on 6555 4133.

In addition to Tuncurry, the Forster Community Garden has also donated garden bed rings to Holy Name Primary School, Forster Primary School and Life Style Solutions - a support organisation for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Forster Garden Auspice Body: Forster Neighbourhood Centre - 02 6555 4351.

Partnering Groups: The Minimbah Elders, The Forster Local Aboriginal Lands Council, Great Lakes Council, Colonial Tanks, Bunnings Hardware, Break Thru Employment Solutions, AusGarden Supplies, HomeBase Youth Service, Wesley Uniting Employment & Bruce Ballard Irrigation.

The Local Produce Market