A group of like-minded, green-thumbed volunteers is hoping to grow much more than vegetables, with plans underway to expand the Community Garden at Cobar’s Youth and Community Centre into a thriving hub for gardeners of all ages.
The project, the brainchild of local resident Lenny Fitton, aims to provide fresh fruit and vegetables for people in need while creating a welcoming place for the community to learn, share ideas and socialise.
Cobar Community Garden steering committee member Carol Arnold said interest in the project has steadily increased since the first informal meeting that attracted just three people.
“By our third meeting we had 12 people interested, which has been very encouraging,” Carol told The Cobar Weekly.
She said the committee, which also includes Lenny, Brenda Verevis, Fay Hardwick, Sue Goonrey and Ann Parisi, welcomed anyone who wanted to get involved.
“We think the majority of people are looking for somewhere to garden and to interact with other gardeners and gain knowledge, while others simply want to help provide for people in need,” Carol said.
The project will build on the existing community garden at the Youth and Community Centre, originally established and maintained by Shirley Harbison, who will continue to share her expertise.
Council has offered its assistance for the proposal, and supports the group’s plans for the existing site to be expanded rather than establishing a new garden elsewhere.
Carol said the location is ideal and already offers level ground, fencing, water, shade, toilets and security.
While the garden is still in its early stages, the long-term vision includes about 20 garden beds, along with fruit trees and vines.
Volunteers hope to grow everything from leafy greens, herbs and tomatoes to root vegetables, zucchini and other seasonal produce.
Carol said the aim is for the garden to operate on a flexible “come-and-go” basis to accommodate shift workers and families, with volunteers working together to build beds, prepare soil, plant seedlings and harvest crops.
Carol said her dream was for the garden to become a place where people could grow healthy, chemical-free produce while building friendships and strengthening community connections.
“I’m a keen gardener and looking forward to getting my hands dirty!” she said.
