Join us in Hobart for the 2026 Tassie Community Growing Conference, a vibrant one-day gathering celebrating the people, ideas and practical skills that help community food gardens thrive. Presented by Community Gardens Australia in partnership with Grow It Local and Permaculture Australia, this inspiring event brings together gardeners, volunteers, coordinators, educators and anyone passionate about growing food and community.
The day will feature our beloved gardening advocate Costa Georgiadis as MC, along with practical workshops, local tours, Q&A session with Costa and panel and opportunities to connect with others building stronger food communities across Tasmania. Whether you’re involved in an established community garden, part of a local food initiative, or just beginning your growing journey, this conference will leave you energised with new ideas, skills and connections.
Our keynote presentation, “Preparing Ourselves to Work With Communities: Lessons from a Food Justice Case Study,” explores what it truly takes to support community-led food initiatives. Drawing on a participatory food justice project in northern Tasmania, the session examines how community conversations can grow into collective action—and how governance structures, funding models and formalisation can sometimes challenge grassroots momentum. Through reflections from the presenter’s dual role as researcher and facilitator, the talk will unpack practical questions about creating democratic spaces, sharing decision-making power, and recognising when we may unintentionally steer outcomes. It’s a thoughtful and honest exploration of how we can better prepare ourselves—personally and institutionally—to support community-led change in sustainable food systems.
You’ll also take part in the “Harvesting Support for Your Garden” workshop, an interactive session designed to help community garden groups identify and strengthen the networks around them. Participants will explore practical strategies for attracting volunteers, building partnerships with local organisations and councils, and engaging their broader community. Through discussion and shared experiences, the workshop will highlight how gardens can tap into local strengths and resources to ensure their projects remain resilient, welcoming and well supported.
After a fabulous lunch that's included in your ticket price, the afternoon includes mini-workshops and tours of Nipaluna Nursery and the David Stephens Community Garden, followed by a lively panel discussion and Q&A with Costa and other speakers. The day concludes with informal networking, giving attendees time to share ideas, swap stories and build connections with the growing community food movement across Tasmania.
Come along for a day of learning, inspiration and connection — and be part of the movement growing stronger, more resilient food communities. 🌱
The full program can be found both here and on https://communitygarden.org.au/events/.
Thanks to our sponsors WaterUps and PiP Magazine for their generous support.
​