Bellingen’s Northbank Community Garden is calling on locals to dig deep this June.
The Garden’s committee has launched its annual membership drive and fundraiser with a $4,000 goal, offering early bird sign-ups a chance to win a $300 local painting.
The five-acre, organic garden has held a special place in the Bellingen community since 2008. Bellingen Shire Council purchased the land in 2023, opening what the committee describes as an exciting new chapter for the space. The permaculture-designed garden is home to fruit trees, medicinal and culinary herbs, communal gathering spaces, an outdoor kitchen and rentable garden plots.
As the weather cools, activity is ramping up for the garden’s volunteer committee.
“We run on volunteer power, and I am always inspired by what we can achieve together,” said committee President Dr Cath Cosgrave.
“Anything from working bees, workshops and film nights to social media posts, fixing leaky pipes and writing grant applications — it’s all done with the spirit of cooperation and community.”
The funds raised this June go towards the garden’s annual $4,000 licence fee to Council, along with maintenance, upgrades and materials for workshops.
Yearly membership starts at $25 for an individual. Members enjoy exclusive benefits like early event notifications, workshop discounts, and regular updates on what is ripe and ready to forage in the gardens.
This year, everyone joining or renewing by 30 June will enter the draw to win a stunning painting of the Urunga Wetlands by local artist Carol Pease, valued at $300. A second prize of a three-year membership (valued at $75) is also up for grabs.
“Signing up as a member does more than just cover our annual operating costs; it provides clear evidence that the garden is a valued community asset, which helps us secure future funding and grants.”
Upcoming events at the gardens include a gourmet mushroom growing workshop hosted by committee member Vince on 13 June, designed for complete beginners and curious gardeners. Participants will learn to grow gourmet oyster mushrooms using simple, low-tech bucket methods and get tips on growing mushrooms within a productive backyard ecosystem
New momentum is visible across the site, with fresh fencing recently installed around the private plots and the nursery area. The project was supported by Council and aligns with the site’s future direction, including the Council’s Draft Plan of Management—due to be presented to Council on 17 June—and the garden’s own Strategic Plan 2024–2029.
“We have worked to build a strong relationship with the Council since they bought the land in 2023,” said Dr Cosgrave.
“That was the beginning of a wonderful new chapter for the gardens, and we feel excited and optimistic about the future.”
Community members can also get involved in the garden’s regular working bees. The group currently runs a fortnightly Wednesday working bee, quarterly seasonal bees, and a monthly Art Group.
To sign up for a membership, buy workshop tickets, or get involved, visit the official Northbank Community Garden website: northbankgarden.org.au, or connect via their Facebook and Instagram accounts.