Have you ever thought about growing Indigenous bushfoods at home? Join Wiradjuri woman Joanne Russell as she takes you through the ins-and-outs of starting your own bushfood and fibre garden at home.

Learn how Indigenous plants can be used for food, fibre and medicine. Then enjoy some delicious samples of bushfood.

Joanne Russell is a proud Wiradjuri woman. She was involved in establishing the Westmeadows Indigenous Community Garden and runs a range of educational events across Victoria.

This event will also include a Welcome to Country.

The Ballerrt Mooroop site is culturally and educationally significant to all First Nations on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country and has significant native vegetation, including the Spirit Tree or Uncle Tom’s Tree, River Red Gum, and many other established native trees, supporting bird life and other ecologies.

Access
The Ballerrt Mooroop site has crushed gravel paths on undulating ground. There are public toilets located at A.T Cook Reserve around 150 metres from the site. Seating and shade will be provided, however please be aware this event will take place outside.

If you have any access or support questions or requirements in order to participate fully (eg. interpreter), please let us know at least two weeks prior to the event and we will be pleased to assist you. Photos will be taken at this event, but there is an option to opt out on the day.

Ballerrt Mooroop is located 750m from Glenroy Station. The site can also be reached by the 536 bus to Glenroy.

Please feel free to bring any surplus produce, seeds, cuttings, plants, gardening magazines etc to swap and share!

Please note that this is an event for Naarm/Melbourne gardeners only. If you live outside this area, please contact your council to find out what free sustainable gardening events are available locally.

This My Smart Garden event is proudly presented by Merri-bek City Council on the land of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung of the Kulin nation. My Smart Garden pays our respect to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledges that First Nations peoples have cared for Country sustainably for tens of thousands of years.