Boambee East

Community Centre Inc.

About Us

Our community garden allows people with the shared interest of growing vegetables and plants, to connect with each other and develop friendships. It is a place where we all learn to develop sustainable skills and techniques in a friendly atmosphere.

Mission Statement 

To create a community garden of organically grown fruits, vegetables and flowers using best horticultural practices; to provide a capacity for building strong community relationships including the disadvantaged; to cultivate a community of individuals committed to sustainable land use, waste management and recycling, whilst recognising the cultural significance of the land to the Gumbaynggirr people. 

The Objectives of the South Coffs Community Garden are:

To create a unique, safe and supportive sanctuary for all community members.

To promote a sense of community where trust, effort, knowledge, skills and responsibility are shared; where creativity, quality and the environment are nurtured; and where equity and philanthropy can flourish.

We aim to promote the cultural richness of food, plants and people within our community garden.

We aim to cultivate ‘community’ and the ‘soil’.

South Coffs Community Garden will:

Design for Community Connection – to improve and strengthen community pride and foster connections across differences like age and ability through shared involvement in the gardens activities. To create an environment for people to work cooperatively. To donate food surpluses to people experiencing food insecurity and the agencies that serve them, to develop strong supportive partnerships with other community groups, businesses and organisations in their local area. To provide a space to create and display community art, hold community events, celebrations and reflect the ever changing needs of the local community.

Design for Learning – Our garden will create opportunities for experiential learning, demonstration and practical small-group activities. To encourage a creative environment in which people can contribute their skills, learn from each other, develop new skills and fresh ideas; share knowledge, and create discussions about  nutrition, cooking/preserving, growing organic, composting, seed saving, sustainability and much more.

Design for Environment –  to encourage environmentally sound gardening practices such as organic gardening, recycling, composting and water recycling; to encourage an appreciation of the natural environment and an understanding for the need to protect what we have for future generations to enjoy; to protect the genetic diversity of our food by introducing seed saving programs.

Design for Accessibility – Our pathways, access, amenities and garden beds will be designed with the emphasis on ‘all’ can access and enjoy. An inclusive design plan allows every member in the community to participate in all aspects of the garden.

Design for the Senses – Our garden design will  engage the senses, where people want to be. It will be a garden that ‘speaks’ to a wide cross-section of the community. We will include scented plants, colour, public art and auditory elements and musical performances for a sensory experience.

Design for Sociability and Safety – Our social hub space will be a place for people to mix with individuals and groups, diverse in age, cultural backgrounds, economics status and ability to form friendships and social bonds which contribute to a sense of community. To encourage people without access to land, people living with disabilities, seniors, teens/children, families and individuals and people of all cultural backgrounds.

Design for Cultural Diversity – our garden will include the plants and cultural traditions of the various cultural groups who make up our neighbourhood. This will create a sense of belonging and connection. Our garden members will develop effective systems of communication to maintain and foster a spirit of inclusiveness and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.

Design for Wellbeing – to improve nutritional health – by increasing the production and consumption of fresh, organic, locally grown food, to reduce environmental impact – by reducing food miles and recycling waste, to encourage people experiencing food insecurity to participate, to encourage growing practices that are sustainable and environmentally responsible.