The Hawker community now has access to fresh herbs and vegetables thanks to an ACT Government Community Garden Grant.

Over the past seven years Community Garden Grants have provided funding for groups to buy materials and tools or hire contractors for work on new and existing community gardens across the ACT.

Community gardens have many benefits – they provide opportunities for people to grow their own food, offer space for movement and recreation, help people develop skills and provide a place for people to meet with others.

Hawker Community Garden in Belconnen is just one of many successful recipients of the grant funding. Hawker Garden leaders Frances Knight and Katherine Sale say community gardens serve as an outlet for the community.

“Gardens are a space for introverts and extroverts. I find gardens healing. As a gardener you are always planning for the future and looking forward. For me it is a healthy way to get out of a negative headspace,” Frances said.

“While the garden started as a concept two years ago, it kicked into action this year in February. Kath and I took about three months to develop the concept, get a land use permit and apply for the grant.”

_{The Hawker Community Garden offers organically grown herbs and vegetables for the local community.}

_{Garden beds of the Hawker Community Garden, built in collaboration with the Hawker Men’s Shed.}

Frances also offered her advice for any community groups looking to establish their own garden and make a grant application.

“The application process is fairly simple. You need to have a clear plan for your garden, and then explain how your project will meet the various criteria for the program,” Frances said.

“Give yourself enough time to make sure you can tick all the boxes, and then write your application. If you have never done one before and you are a small group, the best thing you can do is find another more established group and ask them questions.”

Applications are now open for the 2022-2023 Community Garden Grants program. With $40,000 of grant funding available, not-for-profit community organisations, groups and owners’ corporations can apply for up to $10,000 per project.

Applications for the program close on 8 July 2022.

For more information on the Community Garden Grants, visit www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/community-garden-grants