A local school has shared first place for the best school vegetable garden in the national 2023 Grow It Local Awards.
“It was fantastic to see New Farm State School in my electorate acknowledged for their hard work in the 2023 Grow It Local Awards,” Member for McConnel Grace Grace said.
“This initiative will not only help reduce food waste but encourage communities to connect and grow their own food.
“The school’s veggie garden is a great source of pride in the community, and I look forward to seeing it continue to thrive in the years to come,” Ms Grace said.
Darryl Nichols, Co-Founder of Grow It Local, thanked the Queensland Government for its support of the program.
“There are so many benefits to people connecting with each other on these initiatives, and getting involved at the grassroots level growing food connects people to each other, and to nature while producing something delicious and helps people to have fun while doing it.”
Principal New Farm State School Dr Carmel McGrath said that New Farm State School were delighted to share a first prize ‘gong’ with Clovelly Public School, in Waverley, New South Wales, in the Grow It Local award category for the ‘School Garden Award – Growing The Future’.
“I congratulate the students and volunteer team involved in the edible gardens project.”
Louise Ware, Chair, New Farm State School P&C Habitat Group said they had spent quite a few years building the three edible gardens.
“It was great to hear the award judges describe the students involved as ‘young go-getters’ who are taking their learning outdoors, getting their hands in the soil, and making the world a happier, healthier and more delicious place.
“The Grow It Local project is very worthwhile, and I encourage schools to consider being a part of this community movement,” Ms Ware said.
Local member Grace Grace MP and Environment Minister Leanne Linard visited the school to announce the state government will invest $150,000 over the next three years to support the roll-out of the national Grow It Local initiative in Queensland.
For further information on Grow It Local, visit www.growitlocal.com.
You can also follow New Farm State School gardens on Instagram @nfww_habitat_group
Photo Caption: Local member Grace Grace with New Farm State School students in the veggie patch