WYNYARD, TASMANIA
Live Well Tasmania volunteers grew more than they anticipated when they began their seedling project with hundreds and hundreds of tiny seeds, soil, and a hothouse.
As well as producing hundreds of tomato, vegetable and herb seedlings for local organisations to plant and grow food, the group developed strong partnerships within the community, despite the pandemic.
LWT strives to build the well being of residents in Wynyard, a small town on the north-west coast of Tasmania. Last winter, with support from Highways and Byways, LWT recruited volunteers to grow seedlings ready for planting during the summer.
There was no shortage of local groups who wanted the seedlings and there were plenty to go around. The project produced more than 100 tomato seedlings and around 30 trays of herb and green vegetable seedling punnets.
The tomato, vegetable and herb seedlings were given to local group, Grow Gather Give to grow and provide produce hampers for local people in need; Wynyard Early Learning Centre for children’s lunches and St Brigid’s Primary School vegetable garden to grow produce for the local Vinnies food van.
Some seedlings were also swapped with the community at the Live Well seed bank launch.
LWT coordinator Robin Krabbe said the project had added to the food security of many groups that didn’t have funds to buy punnets of seedlings, that are often expensive.
Robin has, in recent weeks, tasted some of the produce from the project and knows many locals will be enjoying the fruits of LWT labour. The project also led to the recruitment of volunteers, particularly a local Year 11 student who wanted to gain experience and advance his knowledge in horticultural studies.
Robin said LWT is now running a similar project as a therapeutic activity for people with mental health issues.
