Thanks to a generous grant from Adult Learning Australia, the campus has begun a project to create a community garden.
With two wicking garden beds already in place, outside its Bridge St East campus, the Centre is using the project to connect with the community and teach its students vital skills while supporting the Benalla Community Food Collective.
For those not aware of BCFC, it is an initiative of Waminda Community House and the Benalla Homelessness Response Group which has the long-term goal of ensuring no-one in the Rose City is going hungry.
The Centre chief executive Sue Geals said it had been fortunate to get the grant from Adult Learning Australia under its Living Changes Lives grant scheme to build eight raised garden beds.
“We’re designing a course for students to come and learn how to grow food sustainably,” she said.
“But it’s also a social inclusion-type course, so people can come and make new friends and get to know us.”
There are two raised garden beds already in place, with plans to install six more.
“They’re wicking garden beds,” Ms Geals said.
“They have a water reservoir in the bottom, so they draw the water up, which means you don't have to water them every day, particularly in summer.
“You don't get water run-off either, so they’re more environmentally conscious but also less labour-intensive.”
Ms Geals said any excess food grown would be for people to come and pick themselves.
“Eventually, we hope to have a little food pantry outside so we can put our excess there,” she said.
“I believe the Men’s Shed are helping to build those.”
The day doubled as a bit of an open day, with Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn in attendance as well as board members from the Centre and ALA.
“The students who are here today are in our Ability Me class,” Ms Geals said.
“So they are doing literacy and numeracy as well as learning life skills.
“And they’ve helped to get the gardens started.”
Students took the opportunity to show off some of their work before everyone enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea.
Find out more about the Centre via thecentre.vic.edu.au/benalla
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