The concept of a Narrabri community garden is taking root.
The proposal has been in the wind for some time and recently become the focus of several local people who are keen to see the garden grow.
A recent catalyst has been the visit of Danny Middleton from Inverell who is the co-ordinator of a successful and award-winning community garden in Inverell.
On an area the size of a football field, the Inverell garden provides fresh vegetables for the elderly and others in the community, as well as eggs from its flock of 50 fowls.
Danny has indicated he will be keen to offer his expertise if a similar venture is launched at Narrabri.
Several community welfare agencies have expressed enthusiasm for the project.
Last week, Armidale based Rob Taber visited Narrabri and outlined the success of the Armidale garden.
“I am a volunteer on the community garden, under the auspices of the Pathfinders committee, which helps disadvantaged youth, which has a small 40 acre farm gifted to us several years ago and developing it for cattle and we have set up the community garden there.
“A couple of us got together and thought we would give it a go.
“We had our first crop last year and it went well. We started with an acre but it will grow this year.
“I am a past chair of the show ground trust and we have Meals on Wheels at the showground big commercial kitchen and most of our produce, 1000 cobs of corn, 800
pumpkins, bags of potatoes, cucumbers, and some beans went to the MOW.
“This was our first season.
“It was the driest year I have ever experienced and we had to water it, very labour and time intensive.
“Water is a big issue, but we are working on it. It is terrific in providing outcomes for the young people.
“We had 400 surplus pumpkins which went to another organisation for disadvantaged youth in Sydney and they made pumpkin soup.
“We have applied through our local member Adam Marshall for $20,000 for an irrigation system.
“We are getting support from MOW who are donating seed this year, and other organisations.
“With all these gardens it is hands on, you just can’t put the plants in and leave it and you need most importantly, a co-ordinator.”
The Men’s Shed could become involved.
“I believe these will grow more and more in communities. People are also demanding a better quality of food and make sure its healthy, and the best way is to grow it locally - that’s what we used to do.”
Meanwhile, Rob said, the community garden starts with just an idea and can be achieved with organisation and, of course, volunteers.