CERES has revealed a range of upgrades to its community garden that will enable the organisation to reach more community members and promote sustainability, thanks in part to a $40,000 grant from Moreland City Council.
The improvements at CERES include expanded composting facilities, disability and age-friendly pathways, demonstration beds and enhanced water-saving features.
Moreland Mayor Mark Riley said the grant helped CERES make significant improvements that would not have been possible without partnership support.
"We know that so many Moreland residents have found solace in gardening and enjoyed social connection outdoors in recent years, so we are proud to support expanded opportunities for residents to participate in community greening," Cr Riley said.
"Health, wellbeing and social connection are at the heart of everything we do at Council – and the more green thumbs we have in Moreland, the better for our community and our environment."
"CERES is a respected leader in sustainability that is cherished by many locals, myself included. I'm delighted that we are investing the future of an organisation that will enrich the lives of people in our city for many years to come."
CERES CEO Cinnamon Evans said Council's grant was an important source of funding for the project.
"Thanks to the contribution of Council and other partners, CERES has been able to renew this important community space, which in turn has uplifted the whole park," Ms Evans said.
"We are delighted that many gardeners have returned, and some are already harvesting summer fruit and vegetables."
The $40,000 grant comes from Moreland City Council's 2021 Capital Works Partnership Grants for projects that offer broader community benefit. The projects were required to be made complete within one year, with some flexibility due to COVID-19 restrictions.
