The Dandenong Ranges 'Hills Edible Villages' Project

This project aims to work with schools, businesses, the Yarra Ranges Council and local communities to develop edible landscapes in Dandenong Ranges villages. Hills Hubs that support growing and sharing good food, composting and recycling, connecting community and addressing food security will be created. The project will be supported by the expertise of The Hills Food Frontier. The project coordinator will facilitate food swaps, education sessions, resource development, newsletters, seasonal celebrations, networking and skill sharing. The project will provide training and locally sourced start-up materials like planter boxes, soil and seedlings. Each village becomes the inspiration for the next one.

This project will benefit everyone in the villages.
Education about good food growing and eating will improve health and well-being.
Learning to be self sufficient and sustainable will provide a sense of achievement.
Reclaiming the lost skills of food growing, harvesting, preparation and preserving will provide hope for the future.
Experiencing inter-generational relationships & peer learning builds community.
Taking control of and improving local food security is empowering.
Having locally grown fresh food reduces food miles and connects people to food.
Building a resilient local economy encourages innovation and social enterprise.
Working together connects businesses and schools with the community.