Community gardens are a communal space where people can gather to grow food for themselves and other to enjoy. The bonus is the connections to be made and the like-minded people to be met.

Community gardens can be in public parks, schools and on public or private land. They are an excellent example of food localism and ethical access to food. They are great if you don’t have your own garden or if you are not confident in your gardening ability. Community gardens are often accessible to the public and are usually managed by participants.

A thriving garden is a community hub, a place to grow healthy food and a place to show children where our food comes from and the importance of healthy eating.

The Community Gardens Australia website connects community gardeners and shares information and resources.

The Illawarra has many community gardens, from Austinmer in the north to Kiama in the south. The Food Fairness Illawarra website has a comprehensive list and details. Here are just a few:

1. Bally’s Patch

This Balgownie community garden began in 2014 on a vacant block owned by “the Rulers of All Lands” (it’s worth checking out the fairy tale of how Bally's Patch came to be on their website). It is a registered incorporated organisation with a volunteer committee. Members must commit to one hour a month of general site maintenance. The Bally crew meets on-site on the first Sunday of each month. An important objective is to educate children about where food comes from.

2. Greenhouse Park Community Garden

Greenhouse Park is an environmental oasis on an old waste dump. Owned by Wollongong City Council, it has been remediated by council and some dedicated volunteers, the Friends of Greenhouse Park. Apart from supporting a saltmarsh and green and golden bell frog ponds, it has a community garden based on permaculture principles.

3. Friendship Community Garden

Based on the permaculture model, the Friendship Garden is a harmonious, educational and multicultural space, managed by the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra (MCCI).

4. Woonona Community Garden

This is one of the newer community gardens, established in 2020 on disused council land. There are some experienced gardeners here to learn from and lots of land to play with. They have fruit trees and veggies and are regenerating the creekline.

5. Thirroul Community Garden

This garden has plenty of space and a creek. Members meet on a Sunday morning with new members always welcome. Check it out at the Open Day on Saturday, March 18.

6. Kiama Community Garden

A vibrant community of Kiama locals working with permaculture ethics and principles as well as the Dharawal seasons and cycles.

7. UOW Community Garden

The UOW Community Garden Club welcomes people of all skills and backgrounds to grow and maintain fresh produce. They meet weekly to water, weed, plant and harvest.

8. Tullimbar Community Garden

This garden is a great example of incorporating the interests of residents in a new housing development. This one is open to Tullimbar residents only.