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Do you know of anyone sharing backyards for food production?

Posted in Events, Seeking by Ferne Edwards on November 21st, 2008

Back in 2007 when Sustainable Melbourne was launched, I posted some information about the “Sharing backyards idea“. I think its a great idea with a lot of potential and was wondering if anyone knows of anyone living in Melbourne who may be practising this? If so, could you please drop me a line in the comment box below or alternatively email me at fedwards @unimelb.edu.au? I’ve included a brief abstract of the idea below and you can also check out the complete post at “Sharing backyards idea“.

The “Sharing Backyard” idea breaks the barrier to limited urban space for green production by identifying unused backyards and forming partnerships to grant more people access to grow their own food and appreciate urban space. According to Patrick Hayes, benefits of sharing backyards include building social capital, increasing economic wellbeing, boosting physical and psychological health and revitalising cultural health. Read more in Hayes’ article posted below, “The Sharing of Backyards Idea“.

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4 Responses to “Do you know of anyone sharing backyards for food production?”

  1. Angela Says:

    November 21st, 2008 at 3:11 pm

    Hi there, sort of – have you heard of the Western Urban Orchard Swap Meets that happen monthly in Footscray? http://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Files/harvestswapmeetflier.pdf

    I’ve the email address of the gal that organises it if you need it drop me a line.

  2. Don Says:

    November 23rd, 2008 at 1:18 pm

    One the drivers at ecolimo, Lincoln is involved in a produce sharing scheme.

    http://www.ecolimo.com.au/about-limo-transfers/fleet/melbourne_drivers

    he would be a good man to talk to

  3. Kirstein Says:

    December 16th, 2008 at 3:13 pm

    Hi Ferne

    Yes I am sharing a large yard for food production in the in the North Melbourne area. It’s been slowly evolving since November 2007. Loads of potential!!!

    Thanks Angela

    I will check this out in Footscray too there can never be enough community.

    Regards

    Kirstein

  4. Sharing Backyards Says:

    May 17th, 2009 at 8:31 am

    Hi Ferne and all,

    For anyone wishing to start a community yard-sharing program, I’d like to offer the tools to do so. It won’t cost anything, other than some time, and the cost of pamphlets if you choose to print them, though you’ll be able to make that cost back through advertising if desired.

    You can see more in my recent post — http://www.sustainablemelbourne.com/models/sharing-backyards/comment-page-1/#comment-10190

    Basically, I run the program that Ferne wrote about back in “Seeking resources — the Sharing Backyards concept”. Patrick Hayes, who helped start the program here in Canada, is my roommate, and together we run the overall project — he provides technical support, and I manage the project. Since you posted that article last year, we’ve grown from 3 to 22 programs, and hope to find partners for programs in Australia. We provide all tools and support for free — visit the website for details, or check out the other post here on Sustainable Melbourne.

    Cheers,

    Christopher Hawkins
    Sharing Backyards