Emu Plains Girl Guides are developing a Bush Tucker and Community Garden that will provide fresh produce, share cultural knowledge, and create a welcoming space for local families. The garden will celebrate and include First Nations plants and knowledge, allowing our members to learn about native foods, sustainable growing practices, and the deep cultural significance of caring for Country. Alongside this, the community garden will supply fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs to our Community Pantry, helping to reduce food insecurity and promote healthy living in Emu Plains and the wider Penrith area.

The project is part of our commitment to giving girls opportunities to lead, learn, and contribute meaningfully to their community. Many of our members are First Nations girls and girls from low socio-economic backgrounds, and this garden provides an inclusive, hands-on way for them to gain skills in sustainability, gardening, teamwork, and project management. By being directly involved in planting, maintaining, and harvesting, the girls develop confidence, responsibility, and a stronger connection to nature.

Working with local partners, including community volunteers and cultural advisors, ensures that the garden is both practical and culturally respectful. It will serve as a space for sharing knowledge, connecting generations, and strengthening community resilience, while also encouraging environmental stewardship and respect for Country.

Through this Bush Tucker and Community Garden, we aim to grow more than food—we aim to grow community, culture, and confident young leaders who understand the importance of working together to make a difference.