Bush tucker gardens to bloom from Community Environment Grants

Published on 08 December 2022

The culture and heritage of First Nations people are set to radiate from a Bush Tucker Reconciliation Garden at Blackalls Park Preschool, thanks to a Community Environment grant. 

Blackalls Park Preschool Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Officer Kristelle Manderson, a Bundjalung woman, said the bush tucker garden would foster an understanding of the importance of place and connection for children.

“We’re so excited to be able to add this new addition to our preschool,” she said.

"It’ll teach children about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their use of bush foods and native plants.

“It will also protect our preschool wildlife by using native plants that support our native bee population.”

Lake Macquarie City Council Sustainability Engagement Coordinator Chris Harle said Blackalls Park Preschool was one of five organisations successful in the most recent round of the Community Environment Grants program.

“We’re so passionate about building environmental projects in our community,” Ms Harle said.

“The grant program, which gives grants of up to $5000, is designed to support community-initiated projects that improve our local environment and inspire environmentally sustainable behaviour in our city.”

Another successful organisation, Survivor’s R Us, will use its grant to install a rain water tank to water their vegetable garden.

While St Joseph's Primary School Kilaben Bay Parents and Friends Group will build a worm farm to reduce food waste at the school.

Another bush tucker garden will grow thanks to the Warners Bay Scouts, and Toronto Community Child Care Centre will develop a new waste system to ensure batteries, globes and food waste don’t reach landfill.

Since 2002, Council’s Community Environment Grants have supported 305 projects across the city.

Applications for the next round of funding open Monday 27 February 2023.

Find out more at lakemac.com.au