Emu Plains Girl Guides are developing a Bush Tucker and Community Garden that will provide fresh produce, share cultural knowledge, and create a welcoming space for local families. The garden will celebrate and include First Nations plants and knowledge, allowing our members to learn about native foods, sustainable growing practices, and the deep cultural significance ...
Emu Plains Girl Guides
Community Garden
GOAL
$500
Australia > NSW > Regional
Field of Interest
- Community and economic development
Target Population
- Women and girls
- Young people (6-25)
Emu Plains Girl Guides
Emu Plains Girl Guides, part of Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT, is dedicated to empowering girls and young women to become confident, self-respecting, and responsible community members. We provide a safe, inclusive, and affordable program for girls aged 5–17 in the Penrith and Blue Mountains region, many of whom are First Nations and from low socio-economic backgrounds. As a girl-led organisation, our members actively plan and shape their activities, developing leadership, resilience, and social responsibility through weekly meetings, outdoor adventures, and community service. Alongside our program, we run a Community Pantry and Street Library, providing food and books to local families while teaching Guides the importance of compassion, inclusion, and civic contribution. Our current priorities include ensuring no girl is excluded due to financial hardship, expanding our community impact projects, embedding First Nations knowledge into our program, and supporting the training of volunteer Leaders. With funding and community support, we can continue to provide opportunities that benefit both our members and the wider community. As part of Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT, our unit operates under their DGR1 status, enabling tax-deductible donations.
Project Summary
Emu Plains Girl Guides are developing a Bush Tucker and Community Garden that will provide fresh produce, share cultural knowledge, and create a welcoming space for local families. The garden will celebrate and include First Nations plants and knowledge, allowing our members to learn about native foods, sustainable growing practices, and the deep cultural significance of caring for Country. Alongside this, the community garden will supply fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs to our Community Pantry, helping to reduce food insecurity and promote healthy living in Emu Plains and the wider Penrith area.
The project is part of our commitment to giving girls opportunities to lead, learn, and contribute meaningfully to their community. Many of our members are First Nations girls and girls from low socio-economic backgrounds, and this garden provides an inclusive, hands-on way for them to gain skills in sustainability, gardening, teamwork, and project management. By being directly involved in planting, maintaining, and harvesting, the girls develop confidence, responsibility, and a stronger connection to nature.
Working with local partners, including community volunteers and cultural advisors, ensures that the garden is both practical and culturally respectful. It will serve as a space for sharing knowledge, connecting generations, and strengthening community resilience, while also encouraging environmental stewardship and respect for Country.
Through this Bush Tucker and Community Garden, we aim to grow more than food—we aim to grow community, culture, and confident young leaders who understand the importance of working together to make a difference.
Project Outcomes
The Bush Tucker and Community Garden will create a sustainable, inclusive space that strengthens community connections, supports local families, and empowers girls to take on leadership roles. The garden will provide ongoing access to fresh produce for our Community Pantry, helping to reduce food insecurity and promote healthier lifestyles. By embedding First Nations plants and knowledge, the project will also foster cultural respect, awareness, and learning opportunities for both Guides and the wider community.
For our members, especially First Nations girls and those from low socio-economic backgrounds, the project will deliver hands-on experience in gardening, sustainability, and teamwork, while building confidence, responsibility, and resilience. The garden will become a living classroom where girls can see the impact of their work, develop practical skills, and strengthen their sense of belonging.
In the long term, the project is expected to result in:
Greater food security and access to healthy, fresh produce for local families.
Increased cultural awareness and respect through the inclusion of bush tucker plants and knowledge.
Stronger community engagement by creating a shared space that brings together Guides, families, volunteers, and local partners.
Development of confident, capable young leaders who understand sustainability, service, and collaboration.
Ultimately, the Bush Tucker and Community Garden will grow more than food—it will grow skills, respect, and community resilience.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $750
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Blue Mountains Men’s Shed – in-kind support (labour, tools, and construction expertise). Emu Plains Girl Guides – volunteer time and contribution of member-led planning and project delivery. | $0 |
| Emu Plains Girl Guides – volunteer time and contribution of member-led planning and project delivery. | $0 |
| Susan Templeman MP (Federal Member for Macquarie) – community support and promotion of the project. | $230 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Seeds and Bush Tucker plants | $300 |
| Soil, compost, and mulch | $200 |
| Signage and educational materials | $100 |
| Planter boxes and pots | $150 |
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