Annual VIC Community Growing Conference
2026-03-21 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Lilydale Civic Centre, 15 Anderson Street, Lilydale, VIC
The Annual VIC Community Growing Conference, proudly presented by CGA in partnership with Grow It Local and Permaculture Australia, is a one-day celebration of everything that makes community food growing powerful, practical and deeply connected. The day begins with a Welcome to Country, grounding us in place and purpose before we dive into a program designed to inspire both new and experienced growers alike.

We’re thrilled to feature Dr Mary Cole presenting “Weeds Are Friends, Not Enemies! – How Weeds Improve Soils”, challenging us to rethink what’s growing in our gardens and discover the hidden gifts of so-called weeds. Marilyn Lambert will share practical insights on sharing excess produce and strengthening local food networks, reminding us that gardens thrive when communities do. Over a delicious lunch, you’ll enjoy vibrant market stalls, connect with fellow growers, and exchange ideas that can spark new projects in your own gardens.

The afternoon turns to action and opportunity. Learn how to harvest the support your garden needs — from partnerships to practical resources — and then head outdoors for a guided tour of Lilydale Community Garden, or stay inside for a wicking bed workshop with Mr Fox In A Box.

Whether you’re a long-time community gardener, a curious beginner, or someone dreaming of starting a garden in your neighbourhood or backyard, this conference will leave you energised, connected, and equipped with fresh ideas. Come ready to learn, share, and grow — together.

Get tickets at https://events.humanitix.com/2026-vic-community-growing-conference

Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

Please bring your own water bottle, keep cup and bag for some goodies. Also as we will be heading outdoors, dress appropriately for the weather on the day. Everyone is welcome. Fully accessible.

Thanks to our sponsors WaterUps, Yarra Ranges Gardens For Harvest, and PiP Magazine for their generous support.

Annual TAS Community Growing Conference
2026-04-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Kickstart Arts New Town TAS, Australia, Building 1831 South/12 St Johns Ave, New Town, TAS, 7008, Australia
Join us in Hobart for the 2026 Tassie Community Growing Conference, a vibrant one-day gathering celebrating the people, ideas and practical skills that help community food gardens thrive. Presented by Community Gardens Australia in partnership with Grow It Local and Permaculture Australia, this inspiring event brings together gardeners, volunteers, coordinators, educators and anyone passionate about growing food and community.

Book ticket via Humanitix

The day will feature our beloved gardening advocate Costa Georgiadis as MC, along with practical workshops, local tours, Q&A session with Costa and panel and opportunities to connect with others building stronger food communities across Tasmania. Whether you’re involved in an established community garden, part of a local food initiative, or just beginning your growing journey, this conference will leave you energised with new ideas, skills and connections.

Our keynote presentation, “Preparing Ourselves to Work With Communities: Lessons from a Food Justice Case Study,” explores what it truly takes to support community-led food initiatives. Drawing on a participatory food justice project in northern Tasmania, the session examines how community conversations can grow into collective action and how governance structures, funding models and formalisation can sometimes challenge grassroots momentum. Through reflections from the presenter’s dual role as researcher and facilitator, the talk will unpack practical questions about creating democratic spaces, sharing decision-making power, and recognising when we may unintentionally steer outcomes. It’s a thoughtful and honest exploration of how we can better prepare ourselves, personally and institutionally, to support community-led change in sustainable food systems.

You’ll also take part in the “Harvesting Support for Your Garden” workshop, an interactive session designed to help community garden groups identify and strengthen the networks around them. Participants will explore practical strategies for attracting volunteers, building partnerships with local organisations and councils, and engaging their broader community. Through discussion and shared experiences, the workshop will highlight how gardens can tap into local strengths and resources to ensure their projects remain resilient, welcoming and well supported.

After a fabulous lunch that’s included in your ticket price, the afternoon includes mini-workshops and tours of Nipaluna Nursery and the David Stephens Community Garden, followed by a lively panel discussion and Q&A with Costa and other speakers. The day concludes with informal networking, giving attendees time to share ideas, swap stories and build connections with the growing community food movement across Tasmania.

Come along for a day of learning, inspiration and connection and be part of the movement growing stronger, more resilient food communities. 🌱

Thanks to our sponsors WaterUps and PiP Magazine for their generous support.

Please bring your own water bottle, keep cup and bag for some goodies. Everyone is welcome.

International Compost Awareness Week - Community Composter's Convergence 2026
2026-05-10 19:00 - 20:30
Join composters from across Australia for an inspiring online gathering to close out International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) 2026!

When: Sunday, May 10, 2026 | 7:00 PM AEST/ 5:00 PM AWST/ 6:30 PM ACSTWhere: Online via Google Meet (you will be sent the link on registration)Cost: Free or by donation

This year’s ICAW theme, “Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us,” highlights the vital role compost plays in sustaining life on land. LOCCAL (LOcal Community Compost ALliance Australia) is bringing together community composters nationwide to share insights, celebrate our collective work, and connect with others keeping nutrients cycling locally.

What to expect:

Guest speakers sharing their community composting approaches

Networking with composters across Australia

A panorama showcase of ICAW events happening around the country

Celebratory fun and opportunities to get involved in the movement

This event welcomes everyone involved in community composting – from running a compost hub to backyard composting for neighbours, teaching workshops to supporting initiatives in other ways. Seasoned composters and beginners alike are welcome.

LOCCAL’s mission is “Supporting and growing community composters, so the compost we generate stays local and enriches us as a community.” Come be part of this thriving network!

Register now to secure your spot and receive the meeting link.

Annual NSW Community Growing Conference
2026-05-30 10:00 - 15:00 | Riverwood Community Centre, 151 Belmore Road North, Riverwood, NSW, 2210
Join us at the Riverwood Community Centre for a vibrant day of learning, connection and inspiration at the annual NSW Community Growing Conference. Presented by Community Gardens Australia in partnership with Grow It Local and Permaculture Australia, this one-day gathering brings together community gardeners, volunteers, coordinators and local food champions from across the region. We’re especially excited to welcome beloved gardening advocate Costa Georgiadis from ABC’s Gardening Australia as MC for the day, guiding a lively program of speakers, workshops and conversations about growing stronger, healthier and more resilient communities through food.

The program begins with a Welcome to Country, followed by a keynote from Darryl Nichols of Grow It Local on how growing food together strengthens communities. Practical sessions include community composting with LOCCAL facilitator Ashley Wearne, short workshops from NSW Health and University of Sydney researchers, and a great session with Nevin Sweeney on managing microclimates in your garden.

Fabulous food from the Community Kitchen is included, and there will be plenty of time throughout the day to connect with other community food growers, swap ideas and build new partnerships. Whether you’re part of an established garden, working on a local food project or just getting started, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn practical skills and be part of a growing movement strengthening local food communities across NSW.

Come along for a day of learning, inspiration and connection — and be part of the movement growing stronger, more resilient food communities.

Tickets available at https://events.humanitix.com/annual-nsw-community-growing-conference

Thanks to our sponsors WaterUps, Canterbury Bankstown Council and PiP Magazine for their generous support.

Mapping the movement: Australia’s Community Gardens Revealed
2026-06-02 19:30 - 20:30
Community gardens are quietly transforming neighbourhoods across Australia – but where are they, how many are there, which communities can access the gardens, and what may happen to the gardens with climate change?

As Community Gardens Australia celebrates 30 years supporting community food growing across the country, join us for a special webinar with researchers from Griffith University as they share early insights from an exciting national project mapping community gardens across the country. Be among the first to see what’s emerging, what it means for the future of community growing, and discover where your garden sits in the bigger picture.

Tickets available at https://events.humanitix.com/mapping-the-movement-australia-s-community-gardens-revealed

Details

Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Time: 7:30pm AEST

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: Free for members. $10 for non-members

Online: link to be sent prior to webinar

Annual WA Community Growing Conference
2026-08-15 10:00 - 15:00
The Annual Western Australian Community Growing Conference, proudly presented by CGA in partnership with Grow It Local and Permaculture Australia, is a one-day celebration of everything that makes community food growing powerful, practical and deeply connected.

The day begins with a Welcome to Country, grounding us in place and purpose before we dive into a program designed to inspire both new and experienced growers alike.

We’ll feature some special guest presenters to build your skills. Over a delicious lunch, you’ll enjoy connect with fellow growers, and exchange ideas that can spark new projects in your own gardens.

The afternoon turns to action and opportunity. Learn how to harvest the support your garden needs, from partnerships to practical resources, and then head outdoors for a guided tour of a local community garden, or stay inside for a wicking bed workshop with Mr Fox In A Box.

Whether you’re a long-time community gardener, a curious beginner, or someone dreaming of starting a garden in your neighbourhood or backyard, this conference will leave you energised, connected, and equipped with fresh ideas. Come ready to learn, share, and grow together.

Tickets will be released soon!

Please bring your own water bottle, keep cup and bag for some goodies. Also as we will be heading outdoors, dress appropriately for the weather on the day. Everyone is welcome. Fully accessible.

Thanks to our sponsors WaterUps, Yarra Ranges Gardens For Harvest, and PiP Magazine for their generous support.

Annual SA Community Growing Conference
2026-10-11 10:00 - 15:00
The Annual South Australian Community Growing Conference, proudly presented by CGA in partnership with Grow It Local and Permaculture Australia, is a one-day celebration of everything that makes community food growing powerful, practical and deeply connected.

The day begins with a Welcome to Country, grounding us in place and purpose before we dive into a program designed to inspire both new and experienced growers alike.

We’ll feature some special guest presenters to build your skills. Over a delicious lunch, you’ll enjoy connect with fellow growers, and exchange ideas that can spark new projects in your own gardens.

The afternoon turns to action and opportunity. Learn how to harvest the support your garden needs, from partnerships to practical resources, and then head outdoors for a guided tour of a local community garden, or stay inside for a wicking bed workshop with Mr Fox In A Box.

Whether you’re a long-time community gardener, a curious beginner, or someone dreaming of starting a garden in your neighbourhood or backyard, this conference will leave you energised, connected, and equipped with fresh ideas. Come ready to learn, share, and grow together.

Tickets will be released soon!

Please bring your own water bottle, keep cup and bag for some goodies. Also as we will be heading outdoors, dress appropriately for the weather on the day. Everyone is welcome. Fully accessible.

Thanks to our sponsors WaterUps, Yarra Ranges Gardens For Harvest, and PiP Magazine for their generous support.

Annual QLD Community Growing Conference
2026-11-07 10:00 - 15:00
The Annual Queensland Community Growing Conference, proudly presented by CGA in partnership with Grow It Local and Permaculture Australia, is a one-day celebration of everything that makes community food growing powerful, practical and deeply connected.

The day begins with a Welcome to Country, grounding us in place and purpose before we dive into a program designed to inspire both new and experienced growers alike.

We’ll feature some special guest presenters to build your skills. Over a delicious lunch, you’ll enjoy connect with fellow growers, and exchange ideas that can spark new projects in your own gardens.

The afternoon turns to action and opportunity. Learn how to harvest the support your garden needs, from partnerships to practical resources, and then head outdoors for a guided tour of a local community garden, or stay inside for a wicking bed workshop with Mr Fox In A Box.

Whether you’re a long-time community gardener, a curious beginner, or someone dreaming of starting a garden in your neighbourhood or backyard, this conference will leave you energised, connected, and equipped with fresh ideas. Come ready to learn, share, and grow together.

Tickets will be released soon!

Please bring your own water bottle, keep cup and bag for some goodies. Also as we will be heading outdoors, dress appropriately for the weather on the day. Everyone is welcome. Fully accessible.

Thanks to our sponsors WaterUps, Yarra Ranges Gardens For Harvest, and PiP Magazine for their generous support.
