We Love Aintree has successfully obtained a $75,000 State Government Living Local Suburban grant to build a new Community Garden in the heart of Woodlea, to better suit the growing needs of its thriving community. This grant, in conjunction with contributions from Woodlea and We Love Aintree, elevates the garden’s total project value to $106,000. The grant will fuel the garden’s ambitious vision of becoming a hub for sustainability education and community engagement.
The original Aintree Community Garden located at the Woodlea Sales Office was a thriving space populated by regular resident meetups, social events and workshops. Based on this success, the new garden will consist of raised garden beds and fruit trees, and integrate workshops and programs for the community, early learning centres, and schools. The garden will offer diverse activities, including gardening groups, food growing workshops, sustainability workshops, and environmental events. These initiatives are tailored to cater to a wide array of community interests, fostering inclusivity and knowledge-sharing.
Director of We Love Aintree, Jono Ingram, said it has been a three year journey to this point through the designing, consultation and planning stages, but it is exciting to now be starting the construction phase thanks to the State Government’s financial support.
“With their support, and the support from Woodlea, we will be able to strengthen our programs, build new partnerships, and engage more community members in learning about sustainable living,” Jono said.
Beyond its educational initiatives, the garden will enrich public places with engaging and informative signage, encouraging visitors to explore environmental issues and embrace sustainable practices. The garden will also feature a variety of interactive installations, such as composting stations, water conservation exhibits, and native plant displays, providing hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages.
These learning programs will serve as a platform for community engagement. It will provide a space for neighbours to connect, share experiences, and collaborate on environmental initiatives.
The social aspect reinforces the garden’s role as a hub for sustainability education and community building, aligning with Woodlea’s vision for a thriving, eco-conscious neighbourhood.
Woodlea Project Director, Matthew Dean, said the Aintree Community Garden will be an invaluable asset for the community.
“The Aintree Community Garden is a central part of our mission to become Australia’s healthiest community. This impressive grant will help the project reach its full potential as a hub for community education and engagement within Woodlea,” said Matthew.
Aintree Community Garden’s vision also includes partnerships with local schools, Early Learning Centres, disability groups and senior groups, offering visitors valuable opportunities to contribute to, and learn from real-world sustainability efforts. These collaborations will enhance the garden’s impact, turning it into a place for innovation and discovery.
Construction on the new Aintree Community Garden will commence in September 2024. To get involved, or view the design, visit https://www.weloveaintree.org/
About Woodlea
Woodlea is a fully integrated master-planned community by Victoria Investments and Properties (VIP) and Mirvac, designed to provide wonderful homes as well as opportunities including employment, education, retail, commercial and community services. Spanning 711 hectares, Woodlea is a major asset for the west, comprising prestigious schools, ‘destination style’ playgrounds, parks and sporting facilities and is home to a large-scale Town Centre with a Coles. Woodlea is currently home to 15,000 residents and upon completion, will effectively be a ‘mini-city in the suburbs’ with approximately 25,000 residents.
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