The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre is launching a new initiative this winter aimed at building connections and promoting well-being and recovery through gardening.
The Grow Together Gardening Group will begin on Thursday, July 3, and will run weekly from 9.30am to 11.30am.
In a partnership with Dapto Community Farm, the Centre will have access to a garden bed, where plans are in place to grow organic vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers, and native plants.
“We’re starting with a 19-square-metre garden bed, which is empty at the moment,” said Alex Mlodziejewski, Social and Groups Coordinator at the Centre.
“It’s a blank canvas, which is exciting. We’ll be planting a mix of herbs, vegetables, some native plants, and even a few flowering varieties to brighten things up.”
Although it’s winter, the group plans to get started with crops like Asian greens and herbs, which thrive in cooler weather. All gardening practices will follow organic principles, guided by certified organic farmers who manage the community farm.
Beyond the practical gardening skills, the group is designed to provide support to women who are experiencing or have previously experienced domestic, family and/or sexual violence.
“It gives women the chance to learn where their food comes from and get involved in the growing process,” said Alex.
“There’s something grounding about getting your hands in the soil and being outside in such a beautiful space. It’s incredibly therapeutic.”
The long-term goal is to create a sustainable garden that can also contribute to future Centre programs focused on cooking and nutrition.
Participants will also be supported to become members of the community farm, allowing them to access the space beyond the weekly sessions.
The Grow Together Gardening Group is one of many groups and services at the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre. The Centre recently announced it had partnered with the Yoga Foundation to provide an eight-week trauma-sensitive class.
It has also launched an eight-week program, grounded in The Horse Wisdom Program, in partnership with Nest Equine and Nature Assisted Learning.
For more information about the gardening group, please contact the Centre on 4243 9800.
Please note that the Dapto Community Farm is a mixed-use space open to all genders, and members of the public may be present on-site.
