New native foods garden set to sprout in Moonta

A native food garden will soon be growing for the Moonta community to enjoy, as the result of a new partnership between SA Water and the Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association.

A recipient of SA Water's inaugural Reconciliation Partnership Program, the Association is using $7,800 in financial support to establish a thriving community garden, including large compost bays, worm farms, tube stock plants and smart technology to monitor water use and air temperature.

Called Pirku-Itya, the Kaurna word meaning 'for community', the program provides financial support to organisations and communities for events and endeavours which support important Reconciliation outcomes.

SA Water's General Manager of Strategy, Engagement and Innovation Anna Jackson said the project will make a positive difference for the Yorke Peninsula community.

"We want to continue towards our goal of maintaining long and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and a key part of our stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2020-2023 is building on this through meaningful community partnerships," Anna said.

"We know that community gardens are a popular feature to encourage social activity and wellbeing, and we're thrilled to partner with the Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association to create a space that encourages cooperative interaction and social support."

The partnership is one of seven forged across South Australia as part of Pirku-Itya, ranging from a new Flinders Ranges cultural heritage museum, to supporting the installation of a water play feature for the Raukkan Aboriginal community in the Coorong region.

Founding Board Member of the Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association Lesley Wanganeen said the garden will become a significant cultural meeting place.

"The aim of the project is to strengthen the connection to Country and community, bring knowledge and develop a program that celebrates Nharangga people and their heritage," Lesley said.

"We're excited to partner with SA Water on seeing the garden get up and running over the coming months, and will work together as we design, plan and implement each stage."

More Information on the 2020-21 Pirku-Itya is available at sawater.com.au.

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