Purpose of the Group

🌱Joy of the Earth Community Garden (JOTE) exists to make positive use of public land by providing access for community members to experience the joys, health and wellbeing benefits of gardening.
The garden operates in line with sustainable and environmentally responsible principles, creating a welcoming space where people can grow food, connect with nature and build strong community relationships.

Objectives

The objectives of Joy of the Earth Community Garden are to:

• 🌿Design and maintain a community garden that makes best use of the site and its natural features
• 🌼Provide a mix of individual garden beds and shared spaces, including a community orchard and communal planting areas
• 🌻Manage the garden in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, using sustainable and organic gardening practices
• 🌱Encourage participation, learning and inclusion for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities
• 👩‍🌾Support health, wellbeing and social connection through active involvement in the garden
• ☀️Operate as a not-for-profit incorporated association, governed by an elected Committee of Management

👨‍👩‍👧Membership at JOTE is open to members of the local community, subject to garden guidelines and capacity.

History of the Group

Joy of the Earth Community Garden was established in 2012 as a not-for-profit community initiative, developed in partnership with Frankston City Council and the Rotary Club of Frankston.

Joy of the Earth Community Garden meets on the lands of the Bunurong People of the South- Eastern Kulin Nation. JOTE wishes to acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners of these lands. JOTE pays respects to their Elders, past and present.

The garden was created to provide a shared community space focused on food growing, sustainability and social connection. Since its establishment, JOTE has grown steadily into a well-used and valued community asset supported by a dedicated group of volunteers and members.

Over the years, the garden has continued to develop through:

• Ongoing volunteer involvement and community working bees
• Support from Frankston City Council through infrastructure and grant funding
• Partnerships with local organisations, businesses and community groups
• The introduction of sustainable systems such as water-wise infrastructure, composting and worm farms
• Regular community activities, open days and skill-sharing opportunities

Today, Joy of the Earth Community Garden continues to thrive as a place where people come together to grow food, care for the environment and strengthen community connections.