Community Gardens Australia (CGA) is the national peak body and networking organisation connecting community gardeners, gardens and supporters around the country.
We support, resource, connect and advocate for community gardening activities in all states and territories.
Established in 1996, we now have hundreds of gardens listed in our online directory and a growing network of volunteers, partners and members working together to strengthen community gardening as a vital part of Australian life.
What we do
Community Gardens Australia brings together people and organisations involved in community gardening and urban agriculture. We focus on practical support, connection and advocacy to help gardens start, grow and thrive.
Connecting gardens and gardeners
We run face‑to‑face and online networking events, gatherings and forums so community gardeners can share ideas, challenges and successes with each other.
Providing resources and education
We develop and share up‑to‑date resources, information sheets, workshops and online courses that support community gardening, garden governance and community engagement.
Maintaining a national garden directory
Our website hosts a map of community gardens and community education centres across Australia, where organisational members and registered non‑members can list their gardens.
Listing and promoting events
We provide an event listing service so gardens and partners can promote workshops, open days and gatherings to the wider community.
Advocating for community gardens
We build relationships with all levels of government, as well as partners in health, environment and community sectors, to advocate for policies and funding that support community gardens.
Offering advice and support
Our network of volunteer board members, state and regional representatives and other volunteers are on the ground, providing advice and support to new and existing gardens where capacity allows.
impact & advocacy
CGA’s impact is visible in the growing number of community gardens, the strength of our member network, and the stories we hear from gardeners across Australia. Each year we gather data from gardens and report on our activities, partnerships and advocacy work.
From national and state gatherings to training programs and policy submissions, we’re working to ensure community gardens are recognised, resourced and sustained for the long term.
By the numbers
- Over 800 community gardens listed in our national directory.
- Hundreds of volunteers contributing more than 300,000 hours each year across member gardens.
- Annual national and state gatherings bringing together gardeners, councils and organisations from across Australia.
- Growing membership and participation through events, webinars and local workshops.
Advocacy in action
CGA advocates for community gardens by engaging with local, state and federal government, and by partnering with organisations in health, environment, food systems and community development. We make submissions to inquiries, contribute to policy discussions and speak publicly about the value of community gardens.
- Presenting to inquiries or commissions about philanthropy, food systems or urban planning.
- Meeting with ministers, local councils and other decision‑makers to seek better support for community gardens.
- Partnering on major events and initiatives such as national gatherings and urban agriculture forums.
Stories and media
To see how this impact looks on the ground, visit our News & Stories section for case studies, member stories and recent media coverage featuring CGA and community gardeners around the country.
How We Operate
Community Gardens Australia (CGA) is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Our national operations are delivered through a collaborative network of volunteers, State and Regional Coordinators, and skilled contractors working together to advance our mission.
This flexible model allows us to draw on expertise and experience from across Australia, deliver programs and projects, build partnerships and respond to the evolving needs of the community gardening sector.
By combining strong governance, professional expertise and grassroots connections, CGA remains a nationally connected, community-focused organisation committed to supporting and strengthening community gardening across Australia.
Meet Our Team
Our Board Directors are volunteers who give their time, skills and experience to help grow community gardening around Australia. They bring passion, wisdom and governance expertise to our organisation, ensuring we stay true to our mission, remain financially sustainable and meet our legal and regulatory obligations.
Pete Zwiers
Chair
Pete Zwiers is a values-driven executive leader with over 15 years’ experience in food security, homelessness prevention and community development. He is currently Head of Operations and Company Secretary at the Foyer Foundation, and has held senior roles at Kids Under Cover, Foodbank Victoria, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and Fairtrade Australia & New Zealand. Pete holds a Bachelor of Commerce, is a certified Project Management Professional and holds a Certificate IV in Horticulture.
Jane Mowbray
Membership Coordinator
Jane Mowbray has been a community gardener and seed saver for a couple of decades. She joined her local community garden in Sydney hoping to find or recruit more seed savers but instead, she became a dedicated community gardener. Jane believes there is nothing that provides a better sense of belonging to a community and to the wonders of the natural world than being part of a community garden.
Courtney Mathew
Director
Courtney Mathew is a governance, community engagement and communications professional with a passion for connecting people, places, and ideas through inclusive and creative initiatives.
Based in regional Victoria, she has worked across corporate and community organisations to deliver events, campaigns, and programs that strengthen community connection and participation.
Courtney has a strong interest in sustainable living and the role community gardens play in fostering resilience, wellbeing, and environmental stewardship. She’s been involved with the Warrnambool Community Garden since 2019, where she has served on the committee and as convenor.
Through her work starting local initiatives like Fruit Rescue and supporting volunteer networks, she has seen firsthand how shared green spaces can bring people together, build skills, and create lasting social impact.
Naomi Lacey
Executive Officer
Naomi is a permaculturalist who is passionate about promoting healthy food systems, sustainable lifestyles, and cultivating community. She helped to establish the first community garden in the satellite city of Palmerston near Darwin and from there became involved with CGA in 2015 then took on the role of President from 2019 to 2025.
Naomi believes that community gardens have a pivotal role to play in ensuring better health outcomes for Australians, building community, addressing the climate crisis, reducing waste, and educating people.
Awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2019 to learn from community garden networks around the world, Naomi’s vision for CGA is to build the organisation into one that supports the growth and needs of community gardens around Australia, providing them with education, support, resources, and sustenance to continue their work and therefore their positive impact on the communities they reside in.
Prue Henderson
Secretary
Prue Henderson is a governance and project management professional and currently works as Board Secretary for an international not-for-profit. Having lived and worked in Australia, the UK, China and Singapore, she brings an international perspective and experience working across different organisations and cultures. Prue joined Community Gardens Australia as a Director and Company Secretary and is a keen (albeit novice) community and home gardener. She is particularly interested in the way community gardens can bring people together, build community and create opportunities to share knowledge, having experienced this first hand through her local garden.
Mohamed Elmasri
Treasurer
Serving as Treasurer, Mohamed (Mo) oversees the financial health and strategic governance of our organisation. Drawing on experience as an executive and board member for several other NFPs, Mo is committed to efficient resource management. This work aligns perfectly with his love of volunteering and deep appreciation for gardens and Indigenous respect for the land.
Our Ambassadors are passionate advocates for community gardening, using their profile, experience and networks to champion CGA’s mission, raise awareness of our work and inspire more people to get involved in community gardening across Australia.
Governance & Reporting
Transparency and accountability are central to how we operate. As a not‑for‑profit company limited by guarantee and a registered charity, we’re committed to making our key governance and reporting documents accessible to members, supporters and the wider community.
Our legal structure
Community Gardens Australia is registered with ASIC as a Company Limited by Guarantee and is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission (ACNC).
Thanks to our amazing partners
