HARVEST time at Maribyrnong Community Garden will be celebrated at a family fun day as part of the Footscray Lions Club’s 60th birthday tributes.
The club has been a founding force behind the transformation of the old weed-infested lawn bowls greens into a food bowl for its youth outreach programs around the city.
Working alongside many other community groups, including Maribyrnong RSL and council, the club has created a vibrant hub for gardeners, foodies and the dedicated community effort that goes into running Meals on Wheels services and other community kitchens.
Maribyrnong mayor Catherine Cumming says community gardening not only brings people together, it makes freely available the wealth of knowledge about food plants and home-grown produce built up over generations.
She said the council also supported community garden ventures at Maidstone and Braybrook. “When I first came on council 16 years ago there was no supermarket at Braybrook,” Cr Cumming said. “There was no vegie shop, only takeaway.”
With the first harvest now under way at Maribyrnong, Lions Club co-ordinator Steve Tomming says he’s looking forward to a big crowd for the 60th birthday celebrations on Saturday, February 2.
‘‘Visitors can enjoy music, children’s entertainment and hear gardening gurus, including Vasili and 2012 Master Chef contestants, speak on food and gardening,’’ Mr Tomming said.
On February 9, there will be a free sustainable living expo, featuring hands-on workshops, at West Footscray Library and Neighbourhood House.
Details: council’s sustainability officer, 9688 0200, or visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
