By Matt Nielsen
A Seaholme resident and community activist
Altona Community Gardens Incorporated (ACG) is a volunteer-led community organisation dedicated to making productive use of open spaces by growing fruit and vegetables using organic methods and sustainable gardening practices.
The group is passionate about promoting healthy, nutritious food while fostering community connection, education, and wellbeing through gardening.
Founded and incorporated in August 2015, ACG officially opened its community garden in 2019 at 2A Somers Parade, Altona.
Today, the organisation has approximately 50 members and continues to welcome new volunteers and gardening enthusiasts to become involved. The garden features:
- 27 individual garden plots, with a short waiting list for new plot holders.
- A range of community and demonstration garden beds located around the perimeter of the site.
- More than 15 fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs, including olives, figs, bananas, apricots, and other edible and decorative plantings.
ACG is supported by Hobsons Bay City Council and operates through a combination of membership fees, public grants, and community fundraising activities, including events such as Bunnings sausage sizzles.
Through its gardening activities, ACG aims to strengthen community spirit, encourage sustainable living practices, and provide greater access to locally grown, nutritious food for the broader community.
ACG member Adeline Barham says the group is about more than just growing produce. “It’s about cultivating community,” she says. “We gather monthly for working bees and occasionally hold workshops. You get to meet like minded people and make friendships, share produce seeds and tips.”
Another member, Margaret Dalton says she joined the group to meet people and learn about growing fruit and vegetables. “I have loved being able to share the produce with my family and friends and taste how different it is to supermarket fruit and vegetables!”
For more information contact:
altonacg.org
altonacommunitygardens@gmail.com
Or come meet us in person at one of our Sunday morning working bees at: 2A Somers Parade, Altona VIC 3018, Australia
