Two green thumbs up for new water partnership

A community garden at Glossop in the Riverland will soon be expanding, with the installation of waterwise gardening beds, thanks to a new partnership between SA Water and the Aboriginal Sobriety Group (ASG).

As a recipient of SA Water’s 2022-23 Pirku-Itya (Reconciliation Partnership Program), ASG will establish raised wicking beds in their garden at the Jerry Mason Senior Memorial Centre.

Pirku-Itya is a Kaurna word meaning ‘for community’, with the annual program providing funding for grassroots community events and projects run by not-for-profit organisations that contribute to reconciliation in South Australia.

Aboriginal Sobriety Group Indigenous Corporation Interim CEO Don Scordo said he was pleased the partnership with SA Water will help develop the garden that will be of benefit to the whole community.

“Installing the wicking beds will not only help the garden to flourish, but will also provide opportunities to teach valuable lessons on water conservation,” Don said.

“The community garden is an opportunity for people to come together and make connections across generations and cultural backgrounds, as well as develop new skills.”

SA Water's General Manager of Strategy, Engagement and Innovation Nicola Murphy said the wicking beds will be a key feature in the self-sustaining and water efficient garden, which includes a mulching system and worm farm.

“Plants in the wicking beds will be irrigated from below, rather than above, with moisture drawn up through the soil to feed the plant roots. This method helps achieve minimal water loss through evaporation, and watering will only be required once or twice a week in summer and even less in winter,” Nicola said.

“The waterwise garden beds will also be waist high to ensure people with mobility issues can enjoy the benefits of getting back to nature in a more accessible way.

“We’re committed to working with Aboriginal communities around the state to build positive outcomes and relationships, and it’s great our partnership with ASG will help enhance this popular community meeting space, including with local youth and support groups.”

The partnership is one of six established across South Australia as part of Pirku-Itya, ranging from the revitalisation of Tauondi Cultural Ground in Port Adelaide to the creation of a native, drought resistant garden around the Yappala Art Gallery in the Flinders Ranges.

More information on Pirku-Itya is available at sawater.com.au.

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