A short history of the Garden

The idea of the Alice Springs Community Garden startedin 2007. The Arid Lands Environment Centre (ALEC)supported a small group in applying for funds and developing a prospectus for community engagement. 

In 2009, the Alice Springs Town Council provided $5000for the development of a Garden ‘masterplan’ and the promotion of community engagement. In 2010, theCouncil granted a peppercorn lease to ALEC ‘to establish a community garden’ at the northern end ofFrances Smith Memorial Park for a period of 10 years. 

By late 2019, with the notable exception of a purpose-built garden shed and integrated propagation area, all the key elements of the 10year Master Plan had been achieved with the construction of the new kitchen and toilet through support from the NT CommunityBenefit Fund.

The Committee was under the leadership of Convenor Bruce Simmons from 2011 - 2022. 

In May 2020 ALEC relocated the Food for Alice enterprise from Gap Road to the Garden, where it grew substantially both in terms of the supply of produce and the demand from the community. Harvest cafe was also set up, led by MarilynO’Keefe, and supported by a dedicated group  of garden members and volunteers. They continued on a weekly basis until May 2023.

Harvest Cafe then went monthly (organised by a team of Garden members), alongside a produce stall and other events; such as a clothes swap, book swap, visible mending, weaving and music. All helped to create a community hub on theseSaturdays.

As of October 2023, the Garden has 49 individual plots, 16 communal plots plus a children's plot and wicking bed. There are 125 members