Alicia Davenport is the secretary of the Friends of Eucalypt Association, which connects residents of Wollert. The group is about to embark on its first project – a community garden. Ms Davenport talks to Laura Michell.
How long have you lived in Wollert?
We moved to Wollert from northern Queensland four years ago. We moved for work, but also so there were more education opportunities for our daughter. We looked around a few areas, and we just loved Wollert. Part of it is the nature – there are so many trees, parks and open spaces. But we also wanted to build a new home, so we could get exactly what we wanted, and this area just made sense. A lot of people think it’s a long way from the city. But for us, we love the fact that we are so close to the country, and yet we can get to the city in only 30 minutes.
What do you love about your community?
We live at Stockland’s Eucalypt community and we really love the natural environment here. We also love that the community across Wollert is so diverse. There are people from different backgrounds, cultures and environments. That’s something we really enjoy. We’ve lived here in our house for three years, and we’re really starting to develop connections within our community. There are a lot of people who don’t have extended families around them – including us – so we all tend to make more of an effort to get to know each other.
How did you become involved with Friends of Eucalypt association?
I became friends with Samir, who runs 3rd Place Café, and he and a group of local people were organising a community group to start a local farmer’s market. I told him I was keen to get a community garden going, and it really went from there. It was a group of local people who had a couple of ideas and decided to work together.
Tell us about the association. How many members are there? What does it do?
Our association aims to bring the community together through projects and activities that enhance skills and create a sense of belonging. I think a sense of belonging is really important, especially in a developing area like this.
We’re the Friends of Eucalypt, but our association covers the wider Wollert area. We’ve even got a local farmer on our committee. We’re keen to get as many people involved as we can. The association also has been applying for grants to help get our first two projects – a community garden and a farmer’s market – up and running.
How did the community garden come about?
Obviously the idea of being able grow your own produce is pretty appealing, but it’s also about bringing people together over something we all have in common – fresh, healthy food. We’re so lucky to have such a culturally diverse population, and we can all learn from each other about growing and cooking food. Samir has very kindly provided land for the garden beside 3rd Place Cafe. The Friends of Eucalypt Association has been working closely with Stockland and Whittlesea council … once the demonstration garden is planted, we can start to get the larger garden built and planted.
Details: www.friendsofeucalypt.com.au
