Cultivating Community

Cultivating Community is a Victorian charity that has worked alongside public-housing residents and culturally diverse communities for more than 25 ears. Our focus is on strengthening food security, social connection and local employment by helping people grow, cook and share food in ways that reflect their culture and support long-term wellbeing.

We manage and activate more than 20 communal and community gardens across public-housing estates. These gardens are local hubs where residents learn to grow fresh food, build community networks and take part in programs that improve health, confidence and participation.

Our work also includes food-literacy and lifelong learning programs delivered through Correa Kitchen and partner sites. These activities build practical skills in cooking, nutrition and enterprise, and support pathways into training and work.

We operate two social enterprises: Hortus, which delivers garden design, build and maintenance services, and Hear Me See Me Employ Me, which creates supported employment pathways for migrants, refugees and people experiencing long-term unemployment.

Our goal is to create neighbourhoods where everyone has access to fresh food, a sense of belonging and opportunities to participate in the local economy. We do this through place-based programs that foster skills, connection and community leadership.

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