Mapping the movement: Australia’s Community Gardens Revealed
2026-06-02 19:30 - 20:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
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 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.

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 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.

Annual VIC Community Growing Conference
2026-03-21 10:00 - 15:00 | 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.

Vespertine Gardens Launch Party
2025-11-29 15:00 - 19:00 | Vespertine Gardens, 6 Cadle street, Dandenong, VIC, 3175, Australia
Vespertine Gardens Launch Party 🌱🎶

Let’s celebrate the opening of Vespertine Gardens. A newly established urban community garden.

A project led by Dandenong West community and located in the westside of Dandenong’s CBD.

Featuring:

* Free No Food Waste workshops by Open Table

* Live music by local artists BJ Morriszonkle & Nero Friktschn Feuerherdt

* Roaming performance by Snuff Puppets

* Story telling with Sand and Light projection by artist Anke MacLean

Good food, plant life and creativity.

Free event and all welcome.

https://facebook.com/events/s/vespertine-gardens-launch-part/1543326257092142

2025 TAS Community Gardens Gathering
2025-11-29 10:00 - 15:00 | UTAS Inveresk Campus, 2 Invermay Rd, Launceston TAS 7250
Join us for a fabulous day at UTAS Inveresk Campus in Launceston with Costa Georgiardis from Gardening Australia. It’s a day to dig into inspiration, learn and celebrate everything we adore about growing, greening and going sustainable in our local community. Connect with passionate people and enjoy a day hosted by Costa and Community Gardens Australia. Come curious and leave blooming with ideas.

We will kick off the day with a tour of the HUGE Inveresk Community Garden with a compost demonstration by Jeff McClintock. Jo Dean will then share a presentation on her time and experiences building school and community gardens in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Lunch will be followed by a workshop on how you can best harvest support for your community garden such as working with local government, marketing and grants. We will finish up with a panel discussion on diverse and inclusive community gardens and a Q&A with Costa.

Morning tea and lunch will be provided with the opportunity to network and connect with your fellow participants. There will also be market stalls on site to further whet your appetite.

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.

Get tickets at Humanitix: https://events.humanitix.com/2025-tas-community-gardens-gathering

Thanks to our sponsors University of Tasmania, WaterUps, Growing on Country, and PiP Magazine for their generous support.

2025 WA Community Gardens Gathering
2025-11-15 10:00 - 15:00 | Coogee Community Hall, 19 Arlington Loop Coogee, WA 6166
Join us for a fabulous day at Coogee Community Hall. It’s a day to dig into inspiration, learn and celebrate everything we adore about growing, greening and going sustainable in our local community. Connect with passionate people and enjoy a day hosted by Community Gardens Australia. Come curious and leave blooming with ideas.

We will kick off the day with a tour of the amazing Coogee Community Garden followed by a workshop on how you can best harvest support for your community garden such as working with local government, marketing and grants. Peg Davies will talk about Using What You’ve Got – how to reuse and recycle materials in your garden and we will end the day with a panel discussion on creating more diverse and inclusive gardens.

Morning tea and lunch will be provided with the opportunity to network and connect with your fellow participants. There will also be market stalls on site to further whet your appetite.

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.

The full program can be found both here and on https://communitygarden.org.au/events/.

Thanks to our sponsors City of Cockburn, WaterUps, Growing on Country, Coogee Community Garden and PiP Magazine for their generous support.

Stronger Together: Governance Policies for Thriving Not for Profits
2025-11-05 17:00 - 18:00
This webinar explores essential governance policies that help not-for-profit (NFP) organisations protect themselves, comply with regulations, and thrive in a changing environment. The session highlights practical steps for moving from policy to practice, ensuring your organisation’s future is safeguarded.

Key topics covered:

1. Governance Policies

2. Financial Management

3. Risk Management & Operations

4. Legal & Regulatory Compliance

Strong governance policies are the foundation for NFP success. By implementing and regularly reviewing these policies, organisations can ensure compliance, build trust, and create a resilient future.

Details

Date: Wednesday 5 November 2025

Time: 5pm QLD/NT; 6pm NSW/VIC/ACT/TAS; WA 4pm; SA 4.30pm

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: Free

Register at Humanitix: https://events.humanitix.com/stronger-together-governance-policies-for-thriving-not-for-profits

National Community Gardens Day
2025-11-02 08:00 - 17:00
Celebrate the power of growing together this National Community Gardens Day, on Sunday, 2 November 2025! Across Australia, community gardens are invited to open their gates to welcome visitors, share stories, and showcase the magic that happens when people come together to cultivate fresh food, vibrant green spaces, and strong connections. Whether you’re an experienced gardener, a curious beginner, or simply love the idea of a thriving, sustainable community, this is your chance to see what’s growing in your neighbourhood and be inspired by the people who make it happen.

From hands-on workshops and garden tours to seed swaps, children’s activities, and shared harvest feasts, National Community Gardens Day is a celebration of the creativity, diversity, and generosity that community gardening brings to our neighbourhoods. It’s a day to connect with your local growers, learn new skills, and discover how community gardens contribute to food security, environmental care, and social wellbeing. Mark your calendar, find your local community garden here and get in touch with them to find out whats happening. Bring your friends and family, and be part of this nationwide celebration of community, culture, and connection — right where the seeds of change are planted.

2025 SA Community Gardens Gathering
2025-10-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Glenelg North Community Centre, Alison St, Kibby Reserve, Glenelg North SA 5045
Join us for a fabulous day at Glenelg North Community Centre. It’s a day to dig into inspiration, learn and celebrate everything we adore about growing, greening and going sustainable in our local community. Connect with passionate people and enjoy a day hosted by Costa Georgiardis from Gardening Australia. Come curious and leave blooming with ideas.

We have a talk on growing subtropical fruits in SA from the Rare Fruit Society, an engaging talk on worms and worm farming as well as a workshop on how you can best harvest support for your community garden such as working with local government, marketing and grants. We will end the day with a tour of the neighbouring community garden and a Q&A with Costa.

Morning tea and lunch will be provided with the opportunity to network and connect with your fellow participants. There will also be market stalls on site to further whet your appetite.

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 City of Holdfast Bay, WaterUps, Growing on Country, Glenelg North Community Garden and PiP Magazine for their generous support.

Tickets available at Humanitix: https://events.humanitix.com/2025-sa-community-gardens-gathering

Spring Fest - North Perth CG
2025-09-20 10:00 - 14:00 | 10 Farmer Street, North Perth WA 6006, 10 Farmer Street, North Perth, Washington, 6006
An event to showcase North Perth Community Garden and launch our new Free

Community Seed Library. Come and celebrate Spring and the Noongar season of

Djilba with us and see what we do in the garden.

A series of three 15 minute ticketed (Humanitix) mini repeating workshops will run

throughout the day on:

Successfully saving seeds

Successful soil health for seeds

Growing from from seeds

Workshop participants will be given free materials & seeds to use in the workshop.

There will be a break in the workshops around 11am for the formal launch of the

seed library and a talk by Dr Fatemeh Kazemi BSc, MSc, and PhD Lecturer School

of Science at ECU on Water saving and sustainable gardening practices.

Come and celebrate Djilba with North Perth Community Garden and see what we do

in our garden. There will be stalls from other similar themed groups and a small

selection of plants (pineapples!!!) will be for sale.

2025 AGM
2025-09-07 16:30 - 17:30
Join us online for our 2025 AGM. Have your say in the future direction of Community Gardens Australia Members and general public are welcome.

Topic: 2025 CGA AGMTime: Sep 7, 2025 04:30 PM Canberra, Melbourne, SydneyJoin Zoom Meetinghttps://zoom.us/j/96732746873?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 967 3274 6873Passcode: [REDACTED]

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Meeting ID: 967 3274 6873Passcode: [REDACTED]

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adMM8d7hmT

2025 QLD Community Gardens Gathering
2025-08-23 08:45 - 15:00 | Northey Street City Farm, 16 Victoria Street, Windsor, QLD, 4030, Australia
Join us for a fabulous day at Northey Street City Farm in Windsor. It’s a day to dig into inspiration, learn and celebrate everything we adore about growing, greening and going sustainable. Connect with passionate people and enjoy a guided tour to start the day. Come curious and leave blooming with ideas.

MC Clarence Slockee will lead us through the day, with keynote speaker Leonie Shanahan sharing her extensive experience in creating thriving community gardens – what to prioritise, what really work and the beautiful, unexpected moments that grow along the way. Fabulous workshops on Mastering growing organic veggies with Arno King, Permaculture beyond the garden with Gavin Hardy and Garden Alchemy -How and why to brew aerated compost tea by Doreen Jachmann.

Lunch will be provided with the opportunity to network and connect with your fellow participants.

Please bring your own water bottle, keep cup and bag for some goodies. Also the venue is outdoors so dress appropriately for the weather on the day, bring insect repellent. Everyone is welcome. Fully accessible.

Thanks to our sponsors WaterUps, Queensland Water and Land Care and PiP Magazine for their generous support.

Master of Ceremonies – Clarence Slockee

For more than 30 years, Clarence Slockee has poured his efforts into growing Australians’ knowledge of our First Nations culture and unique flora.

A proud Cudgenburra/Bundjalung man, Clarence’s passion for biodiversity shines through in many ways. Perhaps the avenue dearest to his heart is Jiwah, the 100% Aboriginal-owned company he founded in 2020.

As Director, Clarence and his team incorporate Indigenous cultural perspectives into green space urban design under their motto of ‘Native by design, nature by necessity’. He also works with other design teams to instil Connection to Country principles across medium- and large-scale developments around Sydney.

Leonie Shanahan

With decades of hands-on experience, Leonie Shanahan brings a wealth of knowledge, practical tips, and inspiring stories to every talk. Best known as the founder of the Edible School Gardens program (2004), Leonie has also played a key role in setting up two public community gardens, three in social housing complexes, and one at a mental health facility—each uniquely shaped by the needs of its community.

She is also the author of Eat Your Garden: Organic Gardening for Home and School, and producer of the Edible School Gardens DVD.

As Keynote speaker, Leonie will share her extensive experience in creating thriving community gardens—what to prioritise, what really works, and the beautiful, unexpected moments that grow along the way.

Arno King

Arno is a Brisbane-based landscape architect, horticultural consultant, and keen gardener. He is known for his radio broadcasts (4BC/nine radio), speaking appearances and numerous gardening articles. He enjoys sharing his passion for plants, gardening and horticulture with the public.

Mastering growing organic veggies: how to grow delicious, healthy, organic vegetables in south east QLD, selecting the best varieties, enhancing soil health and productivity, maintaining the garden and preparing delicious meals.

Gavin Hardy

Gav helped set up Northey Street City Farm in the 1990’s and he is currently the Farm’s adult education coordinator and permaculture lead teacher. Gav created ‘Eco-flat Brisbane‘, a showcase of permaculture apartment style living. He is the author of ‘Community Food Futures in Australia’ (2023) based on a Churchill Fellowship he received in 2020. Gav is an experienced gardener and consults widely in the community food space. Gav learnt permaculture with the co-originator, Bill Mollison, in 1997 and has done advanced courses with David Holmgren and Robin Clayfield, as well as studying Edible Forest Gardening with Martin Crawford at the UK Agroforestry Research Trust.

Permaculture beyond the garden

Famously described as a ‘revolution disguised as organic gardening’ permaculture offers a framework for creating regenerative and abundant ways of living. In this workshop we will explore how permaculture ethics and principles can be applied beyond the garden to buildings, technology, money, communities and more!

Doreen Jachmann

Doreen Jachmann is the founder of Nourished Landscapes, an edible landscaping and permaculture design consultancy based in South East Queensland. With decades of hands-on experience and a background in permaculture, horticulture, and community education, Doreen specialises in designing productive, resilient gardens tailored to lifestyle and climate. She is also a passionate workshop facilitator and presenter, sharing practical skills and ecological knowledge to empower individuals and communities to grow food, restore soil health, and live more sustainably.

Garden Alchemy – How and Why to Brew Aerated Compost Tea

Workshop Description:

Discover the science of aerated compost tea. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore natural pest control methods and learn how to support your soil microbiome using homemade brews. Gain practical knowledge on how to make and apply aerated compost tea, why it works, and how it fits into a holistic, organic approach to garden health.

Get Tickets Now at Humanitix – Scan the QR code below

https://events.humanitix.com/2025-qld-community-gardens-gathering

2025 NSW Community Gardens Gathering
2025-05-24 10:00 - 15:00 | Narara EcoVillage 33 Gugandi Road Narara/Darkinjung, NSW 2250, 33 Gugandi Road, Narara/Darkinjung, NSW, 2250, Australia
2025 NSW Community Gardens Gathering
Come and experience a fabulous day at Narara Eco Village on the NSW Central Coast with your fellow community gardeners!
Only 1 hour north of Sydney, this is a day to come together, learn, meet like minded souls and celebrate our love of community gardens.
We will have speakers, workshops, lots of fun, special guests for you to meet, and a community lunch.
We have Brendan Moore speaking about the fabulous Community Greening project that has well over 700 community gardens throughout NSW, The Wild Pollinator, Ben Davis MacAndrew, speaking about Native Bees & Pollinators, Sharlene Cohen from Urban Rewild speaking about their Harvest Food Forest projects in Africa and David Sivyer of Feedback Organic.
Morning tea as well as a healthy lunch is included in the ticket.
Please bring your own water bottle, keep cup and bag for some goodies. And we will also have a swap table on site so bring some of your garden delights to share!
Also remember you could be spending some time outdoors so dress appropriately for the weather on the day.
Everyone is welcome. Fully accessible.
If you don’t have transport and would like to come, please email info@communitygarden.org.au and we will assist you in joining a car pool where we can.
If you are on a low income or simply cannot afford a ticket but would like to attend, please email info@communitygarden.org.au and we will arrange something for you.
Thanks to our sponsors WaterUps, Dr Bronners, ARC Ento, Blundstone, Nurtured Earth Organic and PiP Magazine for their generous support.
Book Now!!!
