On Saturday, 24 May, the lush grounds of Narara Eco Village, Central Coast, NSW came alive with passionate gardeners, sustainability advocates, educators, and changemakers for the Community Gardens Australia NSW State Gathering. It was a day of connections, powerful conversations, and shared visions for the future of community-led gardening across New South Wales.
Inspiring Voices and Stories
We were honoured to be led through the day by the ever-energetic and inspiring Costa Georgiadis, host of ABC Gardening Australia. With his trademark enthusiasm, Costa set the tone for a gathering rich in knowledge-sharing and community spirit.
Our guest speakers, David Harris MP and Councillor Jane Smith, reflected on the importance of grassroots initiatives in building stronger, healthier, and more sustainable communities.
The lineup of speakers was equally inspiring:
- Brenden Moore (Community Greening) opened the day with a grounding and powerful Smoking Ceremony, setting the cultural and spiritual tone for the gathering. Later, his keynote address wove threads of connection between community, land, and culture.
- Ben Davis McAndrew, The Wild Pollinator, educated and entertained us with fascinating insights into the world of native pollinators.
- Michelle Higgins of Slow Food Singleton reminded us of the value of slow, seasonal, and community-driven food systems.
- David Sivyer of FeedBack Organic shared innovative models for transforming food waste into nutrient-rich urban agriculture.
Nourishing the Body and Soul
Our heartfelt thanks go to Ali and Marcelo of Pachamama Catering, who served a nourishing plant-based lunch that was as beautiful to look at as it was delicious. The food reflected the spirit of the day – local, sustainable, and made with love.
Moments Captured
The energy and joy of the gathering were captured by Sandra Henri, who generously donated her photography services. Her lens caught the essence of community in every smile and interaction.
With Thanks to Our Supporters
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
- Central Coast Council
- Blundstone
- Dr Bronner’s
- Six Seasons Native Landscaping
- Pip Magazine
- WaterUps
- Nurtured Earth Organics
- Synergy Permaculture
- EarthCare Game
And a big thank you to our stallholders who brought inspiration and local knowledge to life:
- Six Seasons Native Landscaping
- Local Land Services Central Coast
- Community Environment Network (CEN)
- Permaculture Central Coast
Looking Ahead
This gathering was a powerful reminder that community gardens are not just about growing food—they are about growing relationships and resilience. Thank you to everyone who came, contributed, and shared. Let’s keep the momentum going by supporting your local garden, volunteering, or sharing your skills.
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