January is often a time for fresh starts and new goals. But before we rush ahead, it’s important to pause and look back. For us, 2025 was the year of change. Changing our strategy, increasing our goals and a change in leadership. It’s fair to say, we achieved a lot. But none of it would have been possible without the incredible support of our community. This is a moment to say thank you, and to reflect on why this work matters.
A community that keeps growing
Thanks to your support, our community continues to flourish. Today, we’re proud to support nearly 700 gardeners across community and communal gardens, helping people grow fresh, healthy food while building stronger connections with one another. The impact goes far beyond what’s planted in the soil. 70% of gardeners tell us our programs help them feel happier, safer and more connected.
This year, our network expanded to 24 community and communal gardens across Melbourne, creating even more welcoming spaces where people can come together, share knowledge and feel a sense of belonging. These gardens are not just green spaces; they are places of connection, wellbeing and shared purpose.
A year of abundance on the farm
Our Burwood Brickworks Rooftop Farm has truly thrived this year. The farm produced more than 25 varieties of winter vegetables, including cabbage, cauliflower, kale and broccoli, alongside 60 varieties of summer produce. We also placed a strong focus on culturally and linguistically diverse crops, growing over 30 different varieties chosen by and for CALD communities, such as amaranth, shiso, bok choy, taro and okra.
Altogether, we harvested more than 1,000 kilograms of fresh produce, which directly supported community programs like Cook Well Age Well in Collingwood, BANH Caravan workshops and events at our own Correa Kitchen. Every harvest helped turn fresh food into shared meals, learning opportunities and moments of connection.
Creating pathways to meaningful work
Inclusive employment remains at the heart of what we do. Through our employment pathways program, 13 Deaf and hard of hearing participants worked on the farm in 2025. For six people, this was their very first job, and two have since moved into casual roles within our horticulture maintenance team – a meaningful step towards confidence and long-term employment.
This year also saw the launch of our first Aged Care Cooks Program, addressing the growing need for skilled cooks and chefs in Australia’s aged care sector. As quality standards evolve and demand increases, the program equips participants with essential skills from providing choice through menus to preparing nutritious, safe and culturally appropriate meals that truly support ageing communities.
The people behind the gardens
Behind every thriving garden is a dedicated team. Our 12-person garden maintenance team works tirelessly to keep sites clean, safe and welcoming for community housing residents, while also delivering maintenance contracts across new housing developments and local organisations. We were especially proud to partner with Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre this year to support inclusive employment for a person with disability.
Our work is recognised for the care and creativity we bring to urban spaces. As our partner Canva shared,
“Working with Cultivating Community has been an absolute joy… a thoughtful, sustainable partnership that’s brought so much life and connection to our space.”
Looking ahead
As we move into the year ahead, our focus remains clear: creating inviting green spaces where people can grow food, connect with one another and access meaningful employment opportunities.
To our supporters, funders and partners, thank you. Your belief in this work makes everything possible. We’re excited to keep growing together in the year ahead. 🌱
