Driving through the eastern suburbs of Warrnambool, a large 6-acre garden and fresh food market might be the last thing you’d expect. The area used to be a wasteland and there’s a large hole in the middle, which was once a limestone quarry.

But about 15 years ago, a small group of passionate gardeners had a big vision; to transform the site into a communal space, where anyone can come to grow food and share gardening knowledge. These days you can find a hot house, sensory garden, large chook enclosure, education centre, bush food and multiple individual garden plots that members can rent to plant whatever they like.

The transformation has not only been physical. Many members say it has helped with their wellbeing and connection to the community. Some even see their gardening as an ‘act of everyday activism’: where choosing to grow your own food or buy it at the local market is a way to take a small stand against the food miles, plastic and over processing that can be found in your average supermarket.

• • Courtney Mathew- Convenor, Warrnambool Community Garden
  • Geoff Rollinson- Founding Member, Warrnambool Community Garden
  • Rob Porter - Committee Member, Warrnambool Community Garden
  • A few other avid gardeners, working the stall and their garden plots!

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  This podcast is brought to you by the Fletcher Jones Family Foundations and produced by the Rural Podcasting Co.