Grants For School Organic Vege Gardens

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The Bendigo Bank does more than bean counting – it sows beans as well. Well, that is what it is hoping to do by donating over $10,000 in sponsorship money for local schools who want to start (or make improvements to) an organic school garden.

Branch Manager of the Clifton Hill/North Fitzroy Community Bank® Branch of Bendigo Bank, Rod May, said there were three $3,500 sponsorships available for local primary schools to get their organic school garden ‘off the ground’.

“The Community Bank believes in investing back into the local community and helping organisations undertake valuable projects like this one that enhance the communities in which we live,” he said.

“'The Local Schools, Local Heroes' initiative is a great way for us to support young people in the area to develop an organic garden in their school and a fantastic way for them to learn more about the importance of healthy living and a healthy environment.”

All primary schools in the following suburbs are encouraged to apply: Abbotsford, Alphington, Clifton Hill, Collingwood, Fairfield, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Northcote, Princes Hill, Thornbury and Westgarth.

To be eligible schools must:

1. Be registered with the Organic School Gardens Program.

2. Have a commitment to using the Organic School Gardens Program lessons in 2012. (Schools with gardens still in development can use lessons 1-5 without an established garden).

3. Have an existing garden space for an edible garden.

4. Be committed to using organic gardening methods.

5. Be committed to using only garden products which are approved for use in organic systems.

Applications close 1 March, 2012.

The Local Heroes, Local Schools initiative is part of the Organic School Gardens Program (OSGP) produced by the Biological Farmers of Australia. For more information visit www.organicschools.com.au and click on the ‘Local schools, local heroes’ link or email organicschools@bfa.com.au