Nurturing community one drop at a time
Edible Warburton has received a Yarra Valley Water Community Grant for the purchase and installation of rainwater tanks that will keep the garden flourishing for years to come.
The edible garden, in the main street of Warburton, was created by locals to showcase sustainable ways of building raised garden beds and growing food.
Its produce is shared with anyone who visits or works in the garden, with weekly working bees held to keep it in top shape.
The garden also hosts regular school holiday education programs for primary students, quarterly skill-building workshops and a “Share Shelf” where people can share their excess produce with the community.
But Tarnya Harper from Edible Warburton said the garden had never had a permanent water supply, with garden volunteers typically having to cart water in cans from a generous neighbouring business.
“We are so grateful to Yarra Valley Water for awarding us this grant. It has assured the future of Edible Warburton,” Ms Harper said.
“This funding will allow us to install rainwater tanks that will give us much greater certainty of sufficient water supply and help us to increase our growing capacity.
“It will also allow us to deliver more community education workshops for young and old, sharing knowledge about sustainable gardening and the importance of fresh produce,” she said.
Yarra Valley Water’s General Manager of Strategy and Community, Tiffany White, said the garden is providing really important access to fresh food and bringing the community together.
“It’s great to see people engaged with gardening through shared experiences and educational workshops,” she said.
“By ensuring access to rainwater through this grant, we’re not only supporting the Warburton community, but also helping to preserve our precious drinking water.
“We’re proud to support initiatives like Edible Warburton that create a lasting impact,” Ms White said.
Edible Warburton is among 14 community organisations and projects that have been awarded a 2024 Yarra Valley Water Community Grant.