Warragul Community Preschool Centre students are getting hands-on experience with a new vegetable garden and worm farm, established with the support of funding from Baw Baw Shire Council’s Community Development Grant Program.
The garden has flourished thanks to favourable weather conditions and the work of parents and friends of the preschool over the past few months.
The garden is now part of the students’ daily routine, which includes recycling food scraps, nurturing the plants and enjoying produce from the garden.
Cathy Kennedy and Carmel Megee from the Warragul Community Preschool Centre said students were also learning about the benefits of worm farming to enrich the soil and grow healthy and organic food.
Ms Megee said the project had given the students a chance to develop a sense of responsibility for the garden.
“It’s also allowed them to take an active role in caring for the environment by practicing sustainable agricultural techniques,” Ms Kennedy said.
The garden and worm farm will form an ongoing part of the preschool’s curriculum and it is hoped it will expand in the future.
Baw Baw Shire Council Director of Community Care and Strengthening, Liana Thompson, commended the Preschool Centre for their initiative.
“It’s wonderful to see this project go from being an idea within a grant application into a vibrant and flourishing garden that’s making a difference for the students and their families and friends,” Ms Thompson said.
“Each year the Community Development Grants Program helps a range of community groups to improve local facilities, host events and undertake other projects that have been on their wish lists, and this is just one great example from many.”
Baw Baw Shire’s Community Development Grants are offered to non-profit organisations, groups and associations to assist with projects, programs, equipment or events that contribute to the community.
