WWW.THESENTINELNEWS.COM.AU Clarence Town Community of Gardens Initiative Sow, Grow, and Gather Together Did you know that Clarence Town has its own community garden? Did you know Clarence Town has its own community garden? Established in October 2024, our garden is nestled between the Tennis Courts and the Senior Citizens Building. It is open to anyone in the community to plant, harvest, and weed in true collaborative style. Born from Rural Aid’s ‘Community Builders’ program, the project was initiated by Michael and Sacha Anderson, Trudy Balstad, and others, with generous support from the Seniors group. To date, we’ve hosted sunny planting days, community working bees, pick-your-own flowers, and even ‘microbial magic’ for Youth Week! By the time this goes to print, a summer working bee will have applied a thick layer of forest mulch to improve topsoil and make future weeding easier. Our major upcoming project is installing a rainwater tank to collect water from the Seniors building, making watering more efficient. This upgrade is possible thanks to a successful Hunter Water ‘Love Water’ grant! Our garden is open 24/7—please feel welcome to contribute or just call in the next time you are at the monthly markets. To join our mailing list, email ct.communityofgardens@gmail.com or find us on Facebook: Clarence Town Community of Gardens. Clarence Town Community Builders A Blueprint for Clarence Town Behind the scenes, the Community Builders Task Team worked hard to refine and finalise the Community Development Action Plan! In January, it was issued to Rural Aid for design and printing of 200 copies. Soon we will have these beautiful community documents in our hands! Stay tuned for our official launch party to celebrate this journey. Through extensive engagement, we have harnessed our community, ensuring this plan reflects the aspirations of those who live, work and play in Clarence Town. From our March 2025 workshop to ‘Big Idea’ cards and surveys, your input has formed the plan outlining our vision, challenges, and actions. Reaching this milestone makes us eligible for $10,000 in seed funding from Rural Aid! For success, we rely on the collaboration of individuals and organisations. The launch workshop will allow groups to take ownership of initiatives – including river festivals, art installations, village beautification, and playground upgrades. With many hands joined in purpose, we make exciting things happen! Contact us at ctowncommunitybuilders@hotmail.com Kind regards, Sacha Anderson & Trudy Balstad
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