Beelarong Community Farm in Morningside is set to deliver vital workshops on sustainable living and cost-of-living solutions, supported by a significant grant from Australia Post, at a time when 40 per cent of Australians who regularly donate to charity have reduced their giving due to rising living costs.
This funding is part of Australia Post’s expanded People of Post grants program for 2025, which has seen over $400,000 distributed to more than 200 grassroots community and not-for-profit groups across Australia. The initiative, now in its eighth year, encourages Australia Post team members, including local Posties and Post Office workers, to nominate community groups they feel are making a real difference.
Addressing Community Needs
Australia Post’s latest research indicates that half of all Australians are giving less to charity because of the increased cost of groceries and essential items. Despite this, over half of Australians, at 57 per cent, expressed a desire to support local causes that address immediate community needs. This year’s program significantly increased its grants, providing 224 grants nationwide, which is a 47 per cent increase on last year’s efforts. Queensland received 25 per cent of these grants, with 55 organisations benefiting.
Nicky Tracey, Australia Post’s General Manager for Community and Stakeholder Engagement, highlighted the importance of connection in the current climate. She stated that while people wish to support local not-for-profit organisations, increasing financial pressures make it difficult for many households and communities. Australia Post is proud to empower its team members to champion causes that are making a local impact.
Beelarong Community Farm: A Local Hub
The grant awarded to Beelarong Community Farm will allow them to offer “Living Sustainably Workshops.” These workshops will focus on healthy living practices and provide practical solutions to help individuals, especially those on low incomes or experiencing social isolation, become more self-reliant. Topics will include healthy cooking, food preservation, and gardening techniques.
Located on York Street in Morningside, Beelarong Community Farm is a not-for-profit association dedicated to promoting sustainable living within an urban setting. The farm aims to grow food locally and without chemicals, creating a welcoming space where community members can share skills and knowledge about cultivating fruits, vegetables, herbs, and native plants. It also works to preserve locally adapted, open-pollinated heritage seeds and demonstrates sustainable urban living solutions.
A History of Community Service
Beelarong Community Farm’s roots trace back to a 1994 needs survey in the Morningside Ward, which identified social isolation and a desire for more parks and gardens as key community issues. This led to a decision by The Gateway Community Group Inc. and The Balmoral Uniting Community Centre to establish a permaculture city farm.
The farm officially began in 1997, with blessings from Jagera elder Senator Neville Bonner, on flood-prone land leased from Brisbane City Council. Over the years, the farm has incorporated to seek grants and developed various sustainable features.
This includes an advanced composting and worm farming system, which also serves as a public composting hub, a cob oven for community activities, and raised garden beds, some designed for easy access for people in wheelchairs. The farm also boasts four rainwater tanks and a solar power system, making it completely independent of the main power grid.
Published Date 29-May-2025