Who we are
Supporting communities to grow and thrive
Cultivating Community works alongside people facing food insecurity, social isolation and barriers to employment. Through growing food, building connection and creating pathways into work, we deliver programs and services that support stronger, healthier communities and create meaningful opportunities for people to learn, connect and thrive.
Our Vision
Thriving communities where everyone has access to fresh food, green spaces, social connection and meaningful work
Our Transparency
Explore our annual reports to see the outcomes, impact and accountability behind our programs, partnerships and community work.
Our social enterprise
A social enterprise that grows opportunity
Our social enterprise delivers high-quality garden design, build and maintenance services. This work funds our community programs and creates paid horticulture jobs that build practical skills and real employment experience.
Get Involved
Be part of the change
Together we can grow healthier communities, strengthen social connection and create real opportunities for people facing barriers to food, employment and belonging. Join us in cultivating spaces where people, skills and communities thrive.
Joy of Volunteering
Share skills, meet people and experience the reward of helping communities grow food, confidence and connection.
Partner with Purpose
Collaborate with us to create greener spaces, stronger communities and meaningful employment pathways.
Our History
Growing Together Since 1998
From grassroots beginnings in Collingwood to a leading social enterprise, Cultivating Community has grown alongside the communities we serve. Our journey reflects decades of collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to creating spaces where people can grow food, connection and opportunity.
Our story began in 1998 with Coll Link, a community project connecting people in Collingwood through arts and gardening. Inspired by the impact of small pop-up gardens in public housing, the focus quickly shifted toward securing long-term support for community gardens — laying the foundation for the organisation we are today.
2000
- First paid staff member employed through DHS funding
- Summer Garden Project and Collingwood College Kitchen Garden established
- Expansion into public housing community gardens
2001
- First Community Gardeners Bush Camp
- Food garden established at Collingwood Neighbourhood House
- Partnership with Stephanie Alexander to launch Collingwood College Kitchen Garden
2002
- Funding secured for 14 public housing community gardens
- Team expanded to two staff members
- Developed “The Green Map” resource
- Established seed bank at Highett Street Community Garden
2003
- Became Australia’s largest community garden organisation
- Team grew to five staff
- Delivered Maribyrnong Detention Centre gardening program
- Produced Good Practice Guide for Community Gardens
2004
- Contract expanded to 17 public housing gardens
- Atherton Gardens fruit and vegetable market launched
- Highett Street Garden featured on Vasilli’s Garden
2005
- Featured on Gardening Australia
- Gardens highlighted in Celebration publication
- Launched Gardens for Veterans project
- Began community gardening training programs
2006
- Hosted Edible Classroom Conference (250 attendees)
- Expanded school kitchen garden programs
- Continued community horticulture training partnership
2007
- Reached 20 public housing community gardens
- Hosted national conference “Cities Feeding People”
- Expanded school programs and neighbourhood renewal work
2008
- Continued expansion of school kitchen garden programs
- Partnered with City of Yarra on Local Food Project
- Community fresh food markets grew to 120 customers
2009
- Gardens featured in Melbourne Fringe Festival
- Won VicHealth Community Cultural Development Award
- Launched Yarra Urban Harvest Swap
2010
- Presented on water-wise gardening initiatives
- Delivered Compost Mates project with local businesses
- Hosted community garden bike tours
2011
- Delivered Composters’ Composium
- Partnered on multiple composting and sustainability projects
- Expanded community composting initiatives
2012
- Won Yarra Sustainability Award (Community Action)
- Expanded school food garden programs
- Established large-scale compost hub at Collingwood Children’s Farm
- Published community food directory
2013
- Launched Food Know How project
- Delivered projects supporting asylum seekers
- Expanded partnerships across community garden networks
2014
- Achieved Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status
- Launched Atherton Gardens Community Kitchen
- Won UN World Environment Day award for Food Know How
2015
- Established Dandenong Urban Farm and Education Centre
- Delivered Healthy Parents, Healthy Communities project
- Launched Compost Cyclers social enterprise
2016
- Created community garden at Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre
- Developed Love Food Hate Waste training resources
- Delivered Darebin school garden feasibility study
2017
- Recognised as a Good Food Organisation
- Expanded community food centre initiatives
- Partnered to revitalise edible garden spaces
- Social impact research conducted with Deakin University
2018
- Partnered with STREAT to support youth training
- Expanded community health partnerships
- Celebrated 20 years of Cultivating Community
2019
- Reactivated Floyd Lodge Community Garden
- Delivered school garden projects and grants
- Launched Carlton Kitchen Library
- Expanded partnerships with Save the Children
2020 - 2023
- Joined Moving Feast pandemic food response initiative
- Became an Accredited Social Enterprise
- Launched Hortus and High Rise programs
- Introduced WISE pathway for Deaf and hard of hearing participants
- Launched ESG programs for corporate partners
- Took on management of Burwood Rooftop Farm
Still growing
Today, we continue to evolve, working alongside communities to create opportunities, build connection and shape a more sustainable future.
How we work
Designed with community, not just for it
We design our services with the people who use them. By combining lived experience, evidence and practical delivery, we ensure our programs are effective, sustainable and deliver meaningful outcomes for individuals and communities.
