A PROGRAMME has been developed in Broome that helps remote communities grow their own food while also investigating traditional plant cultivation. Kim Courtenay of Kimberley Technical & Further Education is helping these communities, one or two generations away from their traditional cultures, set up an organic community vegetable garden. A large part of this group are in prison for minor offences. ‘They have wonderful qualities,’ says Kim, ‘and it is great to see them come alive.’ In the early days vegetable gardens were set up at missions and pastoral stations, so why not now?

The other aspect of this venture, named Walking Together, is establishing an indigenous orchard consisting of native food plants such as the gubinge and the pindan walnut. Community elder and course graduate Merridoo Walabidi believes that establishing the orchard will provide an important cultural context for the training program. He also sees horticulture as a real chance for today’s generations to gain a greater connection to country. The ABC Gardening Show video shows Walabidi walking through the informal orchard with Kim Courtenay and Josh Byrne, and also highlights the organic garden.