Cultivating Community is a not-for-profit organisation that has grown out of support for community garden projects in inner-city public housing estates.

It has evolved into an organisation to promote and support the development of community garden projects across the entire community.

Cultivating community consists of a management committee, paid workers and volunteers.

Community gardens

Cultivating Community is responsible for the management of 20 community gardens on public housing estates across Melbourne. The gardens function around principles and practises of environmentally sustainable horticulture and waste management.

Edible Classroom

Cultivating Community has an Edible Classroom consultancy service to provide schools with affordable and practical assistance in designing, building, planting and maintaining food gardens. We also assist schools to reap the social, educational and nutritious benefits of an edible classroom.

An edible classroom is a natural setting for learning, which invites a multitude of opportunities for engaging students in inter-disciplinary education and themes.

The Edible Classroom Program takes an holistic approach to involving students in growing food at school and integrating garden based activities into the curriculum.

Edible Classrooms Programs:

• Reinforce healthy eating
• Build relationships between schools, families and local communities
• Nurture lifelong practical skills
• Provide an outside classroom
• Address Victorian Essential Learning Standards
• Provide a calming environment for students with behavioural issues
• An attractive gathering point for special occasions

For more information visit cultivating communities website.