The announcement of the Big Give recipients last week brought welcome news to the gardeners of the multicultural Gateway Island Community Farm, who have been frustrated by ongoing water supply issues.

A Big Give grant from Border Trust will fund a new pressure pump and help find a solar solution to ensure sustainable water supply into the future.

The farm is a treasured gathering place for almost 300 gardeners who grow their own chemical-free vegetables, barter and share culture and stories.  Demand for plots is high but the watering infrastructure has been unable to fully service even the current number of garden plots, with only two gardeners able to hand-water at one time.

In the short term, a new pressure pump and generator will enable multiple gardeners to water their organic plots at the same time, ensuring convenience and allowing social connection and opportunities to exchange gardening know-how.

The project will include the design and costing of an off-grid power supply for the water system, with the long term aim to operate sustainably and expand the community farm to cater for the growing demand for garden plots.

Parklands gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Border Trust and the Scanlon Foundation for their valuable contribution to this project.

Border Trust is the Community Foundation for the cities of Albury and Wodonga, and the Indigo, Towong, Greater Hume and Federation Shires. As a Community Foundation, Border Trust is building a perpetual fund for the benefit of the community; now and in the future. Website: https://www.bordertrust.org.au