On Sunday 03 March 2024, I attended a very joyous event - the opening of the Brukunga Community Garden.

Following the devastating Cudlee Creek fires of 2019, a Community Association was established with 9 members and various sub-committees and helpers.

This acted as a catalyst to unite, bond and start to heal the community after its losses.

As well as rejuvenating the Brukunga Hall, the garden around it was re-landscaped and planted, and a community garden was planned, with an aim of ‘shared growth, bonding and green initiatives.

Last year the Association applied and successfully gained a grant from Open Gardens SA for a native bush tucker garden and some workshops to educate the community about its uses.

When I first visited the garden there was huge enthusiasm and goodwill, but little progress with the garden at that stage. Association members were very active in gaining other grants and the help of the Mt Barker Council.

On Sunday 03 March, I saw the results of hard work, community spirit and pulling together of shared skills to establish a garden which has clearly become a hub for the community.

There were speeches from the Mayor and local Member of Parliament before the garden was officially opened. It seemed as if all the residents had turned out to have a coffee and sausage sizzle, listen to music by local musicians and to share in the event.

Raised garden beds of flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs in tubs, a shed and fences have been established as well as the wicking beds full of bush tucker plants (as seen in the photo above).

Workshops and coffee mornings have been held and many residents have learned about the garden and its care together.

It is a pleasure for us at Open Gardens SA to be part of a rejuvenation like this. Plans are already in place to extend and enhance the garden with more projects in mind.