The following article, originally published by CDU's newsroom, highlights the latest progress made by the university's Talloires student group:
Members of the CDU Talloires student group from Charles Darwin University are moving forward with their plans to establish a community garden at the Casuarina campus.
CDU Talloires is a new student group committed to engaging with the community in interesting and innovative projects that are sustainable, ethical and forward-thinking.
Community gardens are recognised worldwide as a great way to grow food, improve health, meet people and cultivate vibrant communities.
With a current one year waiting list for the nearby Jingili Community Garden, CDU Talloires seized the opportunity to set up a garden at Charles Darwin University.
CDU Talloires member Leah Galvin said that creating community gardens was a great way to connect with community members and in turn share knowledge.
“We can learn the skills to grow food that's appropriate to our climate and reduce our reliance on importing and transporting food from all around Australia, and it’s about having fun and being outside in the garden,” she said.
Last year, former Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Garnett met with CDU Talloires and together with Darwin City Council, approved the proposed site on Lakeside Drive. In addition, Professor Garnett provided CDU Talloires with a grant for $5000 to assist in seeding the project.
With the assistance of the CDU Horticulture Team, Grounds Supervisor, Nerida Noble and Coordinator Community Engagement, Linda Cuttriss, students have collected and tested soil samples to ensure suitability of the site and were thrilled to find they revealed that the soil is suitable for growing fruit and vegetables.
Anjea Travers, a CDU Talloires member, said they were a little worried that the soil might be too high in salinity to grow food but when they found out it was ok they were really excited.
CDU Talloires will now work towards securing sponsorship for connection of water to the site and establishing a steering committee to begin formal planning and decision making about how the garden will operate.
Local community members, CDU staff and students with knowledge of community gardens are invited to participate in the planning process.
To get involved or for further information about the CDU Talloires student group, please contact Linda Cuttriss, Coordinator Community Engagement on (08) 8946 6336 or linda.cuttriss@cdu.edu.au
For the CDU Talloires website go to: http://www.cdu.edu.au/communityandaccess/communityengagement/talloires/index.html
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