Community members will enjoy a safer, more accessible and usable Doncaster Hill Community Garden, with a redesign planned to get underway in June.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said the garden is a treasured place where people come together to grow, share and connect.

“The Doncaster Hill Community Garden plays a vital role in supporting our community,” Cr Diamante said.

“Beyond providing fresh and nutritious food, it nurtures a stronger local food system, social connections and community wellbeing.

“Importantly, it also provides fresh produce to people experiencing hardship through Doncare’s food relief program,” she said.

The works will include levelling uneven ground to reduce tripping hazards and installing raised garden beds at varying heights to support gardeners of all ages and abilities.

New wicking beds, improved composting and better water use will support more efficient and diverse food growing, including culturally significant crops. Security will also be improved through soft fencing, gated access and lockable compost bins.

“We’ve listened to our dedicated volunteers and gardeners, whose insights and aspirations have helped shape the planned improvements to the garden,” Cr Diamante said.

“The result will be a more accessible space that reflects our community values of sustainability, sharing and inclusion,” she said.

The Doncaster Hill Community Garden is a friendly space for anyone interested in growing food, meeting others and learning new skills. It hosts a working bee every second Tuesday, where community members come together to grow and harvest produce.

The garden will be temporarily closed from June to August 2025, while the works take place.

The shed will not be impacted in the redesign.

For more information, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/garden-redesign