By Tanya Steele
A community gardens cohort has appealed to its wider community in Cockatoo to help them relocate their cherished gardening space.
The Hills Community Gardens group is calling for assistance in finding a new location after storage space issues in an open letter to the community and Cardinia Shire Council dated Monday 10 February.
The garden is located in the Alma Treloar Reserve in Cockatoo and organising member Dwight said the group is looking for a new location.
“Over the last year, we’ve been back and forth with the Cardinia Council,” he said.
Dwight said the Council initially approached the group to to vacate the area where they store their equipment at the Cockatoo Community Childcare and kindergarten building.
They now remain in limbo after being unable to find a suitable spot to house it, the location had been ideal for the group because it was close to the area where they worked in the gardens.
Dwight said in the area in Cockatoo finding accessible options to re-home their equipment has been limited.
“It’s not the flattest place,” he said.
“You don’t want to be lugging equipment around.”
The group were officially asked to remove equipment in late December 2024 and are currently storing it at a member’s house in a trailer.
“We have to get it driven up for our Dig in events and the member has lost access to their trailer,” Dwight said.
In their letter the group said that adding to the challenge, the Council has expressed interest in reclaiming portions of the land at Alma Treloar Reserve that is currently occupied by the gardens.
“Without access to sufficient storage and with the looming possibility of reduced space, the gardens’ operations are at risk of becoming unfeasible,“ the letter read.
Cardinia Shire Council’s General Manager Community and Planning Services Deb Tyson said council is committed to ensuring that community gardens on council land are safe and accessible for members of the community, and that they don’t pose any safety or fire risks.
“Council has held discussions with the Hills Community Gardens to address a number of concerns regarding maintenance of the community gardens and storage, to address such risks,“ she said.
“Council is supportive of the community gardens retaining the current garden spaces at Alma Treloar Reserve if regular and appropriate maintenance is undertaken.”
Hoping to stay in Cockatoo, the group have been brainstorming options and with around 15 members and wish to continue their fortnightly gardening, put on education sessions for the community and expand memberships.
“With a new location and fresh start, we can build back and be more active in the community,“ said Dwight.
“We can grow some food and hold workshops,“ he said.
Ms Tyson said Cardinia Shire Council recognises that community gardens offer many benefits to the community, including social and environmental benefits.
“Community gardens provide opportunities for social connection, contribute to environmental sustainability and can have a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing,“ she said.
“There are a number of community gardens across Cardinia Shire that are supported by Council, including the Hills Community Gardens at Alma Treloar Reserve in Cockatoo.“
In the letter the group said the Hills Community Gardens is calling on the broader community for assistance in finding a new location.
“Ideally, this new space would be on private land with the landholder—whether an individual, business, or community organisation—willing to auspice the Gardens,“ the letter read.
“This partnership would allow the Gardens to continue their mission of supporting local sustainability, community engagement, and environmental education. With a stable new home, the Gardens can continue to thrive as a vital resource for the Cockatoo community and beyond.“
Dwight said that the Gardens group did have a larger cohort before Covid and this situation doesn’t make it any easier.
“We’re hopeful of a solution,“ he said.
If you or someone you know is interested in supporting the Gardens by offering land or other resources, please reach out to the Hills Community Gardens via email hillscommunitygardenscockatoo@gmail.com or reach out to them on their socials.
