The 4-hectare plot for the Brungle-Tumut Aboriginal Community Garden was handed back to the Brungle Tumut Local Aboriginal Land Council (BTLALC) by the Snowy Valleys Council to become a living library of bush food knowledge.

The project was developed in response to an observed decrease in bush food and medicinal plants in the area. Plants such as old man weed, emu bush and native geranium are particularly vulnerable during drought, so the Community Garden provides a protected space to cultivate these plants and grow the seed bank.

The Brungle-Tumut Aboriginal Community Garden also plays an important cultural role, giving local Elders opportunities to pass on their knowledge by providing education demonstrations on native bush foods, medicines, tool making and cultural burning practices that help young people to strengthen cultural connections.

As well as strengthening cultural ties, the project has a practical element in helping to supply fresh food and vegetables for local families and improve food security during extreme weather events, such as drought and fire.

The Brungle-Tumut Aboriginal Community Garden is a result of collaborative design and continues to evolve. It involves ongoing discussions with groups such as the Tumut Aboriginal Community Women’s Group, the Tumut Brungle Aboriginal Men’s Group, and Tumut Regional Family Services and each voice has been instrumental in shaping the garden’s vision.

The project is funded by the Southern NSW Innovation Hub through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.