Nestled in a quiet part of Mount Barker behind the Hospital is the beautiful Duck Flat Community Garden.

Originally set up by the Community Health Service and now managed by Mount Barker Community Centre, it is a haven for the community to participate in physical and passive activities in nature.

It provides a venue for the teaching, demonstrating, and growing of produce, utilising co-operative and healthy organic principles.

Thanks to a new kitchen facility in the Duck Flat studio, a gardening and cooking program has been on offer, allowing older Mount Barker residents to learn new skills and meet new people.

The Growing Food and Friendships program provides opportunities for older people to learn how to set up their own garden even if they only have a small space.

Duck Flat Community Garden patron Sophie Thomson has given great advice to participants including how to achieve great soil, what vegetables to plant, and when and how to grow your own vegetables in a small space.

To take the experience a step further, participants have also been participating in a cooking program utilising fresh produce from the garden.

The cooking sessions involve a group cooking workshop and shared lunch. The meals are always fresh, healthy, and vegetarian.

Local community member Marg says, “I have learnt many new recipes and have met new people through the program. It is always great to meet new people in the community and learn something new.”

The Growing Food and Friendships program ran weekly until 10November. Some participants are planning to continue their involvement with Duck Flat Community Garden by volunteering there on a weekly basis.

For more information, please contact Mount Barker Community Centre via email, enquiries@mtbcc.org.au, or call 8391 2747.

Mount Barker Community Centre received Grants for Seniors funding in 2021/22, administered by Office for Ageing Well.

Click here for more information about Ageing Well Community Grants.