Journey 

2010

• The first Community Gardens conference in Australia held at University of Canberra. The conference marked the beginning of a series of initiatives to improve Canberrans' ability to navigate environmental and food system flux. The conference initiated a community dialogue on the importance of local food systems and their resilience. It highlighted the need for adaptive strategies to cope with changing environmental conditions, laying the groundwork for future projects that promote community self-sufficiency and resilience.

Progress: The conference led to two ACT Government consultancy reports focusing on improving local food systems.

2011

Research project: The evolution of community-based food-production in Canberra 

• Mapping of community gardens in the ACT to build community health in lower socio-economic, migrant, and ageing populations across Canberra. Mapping community gardens helped identify areas where gardening could improve food security and community health.
• Tracking the assets and evolution of community-based food-production in Canberra in partnership with local Canberra community groups to understand the impacts of everyday food interactions on human and planetary health and wellbeing. Tracking the evolution of community-based food-production in Canberra since the 1970s highlighted areas of potential for strengthening.

Progress: From Bare Earth to Bounty, the history of Canberra Organic Growers Society was published

2012

Research project: A study of the demand for community gardens and their benefits for the ACT community

Research project: A study of food in the ACT 

• Engaging with stakeholders (community members, community groups and Government) on the role and demand for community gardens in the ACT and their subsequent benefits. By engaging with local community members, community groups, national cultural institutions and Government through these studies, UC researchers explored the role of community gardens and urban gardening in promoting adaptability and food access. This included historical analysis of the ecological impacts of agriculture and how this has promoted learning and change, and connections to place. These efforts showcase the stories of local Canberra people and informed policies that integrated community gardens into urban planning, with a view to supporting local food production to withstand environmental uncertainties.

Progress: These engagements and studies informed the ACT Government’s approach to including community gardens and food production spaces across the city, emphasizing social inclusion, community development and resilience.

Progress: UC researchers, in collaboration with the National Museum of Australia, the Canberra Royal Show Society and local community members, developed the Urban Farming and the Agricultural Show exhibition.

2013 

• Establishment of UC’s Signpost Community Garden, to engage staff, students and the surrounding community in educational and social spaces designed to support food resilience and improve understanding of our local socio-ecological context.

2014

Project: Healthy Eating Habits in High Schools – A Pilot Study at UC Kaleen

• Engaging children in the ACT in healthy eating habits. Educating children about healthy eating fostering a generation with awareness of sustainable food practices. This initiative helped young people understand the importance of local and resilient food systems, equipping them to adapt to future environmental changes. 

Progress: This project included education for teachers in the ACT to improve their healthy eating and expanded the education to parents and carers through the introduction of healthy ‘food box’ scheme in partnership with local food producers. Community garden members mentored high school students in a school food garden project.

2017

• Work by Artist and collaborator Naomi Zouwer influenced the way UC researchers examine food-garden-based relationships in future projects. Zouwer has designed and delivered intergenerational art-making programs for Haig Park events, the Parliament House, the National Museum, Lanyon Homestead, and Mugga Mugga. Zouwer connects community with place, bringing to life the local context and history of Canberra in the present day. 
• UC Master of Education and UC Bachelor of Education includes sustainability and environmental education which ensures future educators are equipped to teach sustainability, fostering a culture of adaptability and resilience in the face of environmental flux. 

2018

• A best-practice model for the use of community gardens was designed as part of an early intervention approach to reducing drug and alcohol misuse in West Belconnen. A community garden was activated to support students transitioning to high school in collaboration with the local primary school, high school and community groups. This model promoted community gardens as safe, productive spaces that support social and ecological resilience. Addressing social issues through environmental initiatives underscores the interconnectedness of community well-being and environmental adaptability.

2019

• Community art events held in Haig Park to activate the space as part of Transforming Haig Park including; Christmas crafting, makers table, drawing forest dwellers, drawing to music, drawing with ink and stick, drawing with bubbles and things that go pop. These events connected community to natural spaces and promoted local environmental values. 
• UC researchers connected with farming families in the Philippines to build cultural resilience through food and farming practices. The work in the Philippines informed future work with migrant populations in Canberra, strengthening local food economies and cultural connections. 

Progress: Book published on a decade of community food work in the ACT, sharing the stories of a community work to illustrate the role of local food 

2020

Progress: In the media

• "Eating for a better future" UC UnCover, p 28
• "The future of food is closer than we think" UC UnCover
• "Is it time to think differently about food? The Future of Food in the Canberra Region" Canberra Times
• “Prickly Pear Potential use for health products explored as research looks at its benefits” ABC Rural

These media stories highlight the significance of sustainable food practices and local food production. They educate the public on the health and environmental benefits of adaptive food systems, encouraging community-wide shifts towards resilience.

2021

Progress: In the media

• "3 ways community gardens often exclude migrants and refugees – and how to turn this around" The Conversation

This research addresses inclusivity in community gardens, advocating for the integration of diverse cultural practices. This approach ensures that all community members can participate in and benefit from resilient, adaptive gardening practices.

2022

• Projects by Naomi Zouwer: Community engagement with Parliament House through art mediums. These projects continue to connect the community with place, history, and environmental values through art. 
• Project by Naomi Zouwer with ACT Parks and Conservation Services reconnected the community to natural spaces through art-based means to shift perspectives on the importance of local environmental values. Zouwer's integration of art and environmental education encourages creative thinking and community engagement in addressing environmental challenges.
• Event: Improving nutrition and health through local food systems - Canberra’s leading food and nutrition experts discuss why we need to build a much stronger local food system. 

Progress: In the media

• “Could Canberra grow more of its own food?” The RiotAct

2023

Project: Piloting a community co-learning approach to developing a school-based food gardening program. Integrating food garden-based learning into the Isabella Plains Early Childhood School curriculum, aiming to improve children's ecological capabilities and their ability to navigate climate uncertainty. 

This project fosters inclusivity and adaptability in education, ensuring that diverse perspectives contribute to resilient, ecologically aware communities. The co-learning approach prepares children to understand and address environmental challenges collaboratively.

2024

• Study tour to Finland with students from UC Faculty of Art and Design and Faculty of Education. Connecting students and educators with sustainable practices and diverse perspectives, fostering a community that values and practices environmental adaptability. International collaborations expand the scope of learning and resilience strategies, enriching local practices with global insights.

Research team

• Ann Hill
• Bethaney Turner
• Naomi Zouwer 
  
• Rachael Walshe
• Nenad Naumovski
• Ro McFarlane

Learn more 

Piloting a community co-leaning approach to developing a school-based food gardening program 

Global Garden Project

Crafting a sustainability focused curriculum to teach early years learners about their place in a climate-changing world, Centre for Sustainable Communities News

Could we learn to love slugs and snails in our gardens? The Conversation, 2022 

3 ways community gardens often exclude migrants and refugees — and how to turn this around, The Conversation, 2021