Celebrate Spring with a FREE garden workshop on Thursday Island on Saturday 6 September funded by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA).
Open flyer for garden workshop here.
TSRA’s sustainable horticulture expert George Saveka said the half-day event would blend traditional wisdom with modern practices on gardening in the Torres Strait region.
“Come along and learn how to combine cultural knowledge and the latest gardening techniques to grow fresh, healthy fruit and vegetables in our region,” Mr Saveka said.
“Spring is the perfect season to have a go at planting cabbage, corn, sweet potato, cucumber, ginger and herbs like basil and oregano.
“You never know what you can grow in the Torres Strait,” he said.
The free community event will include hands-on demonstrations and mini workshops up to 20 minutes each, plus gardening prize draws sponsored by CEQ’s Mitre 10.
Sessions will cover how to use hydroponics, fertiliser and propagation to grow gardens with little land and water, plus biosecurity tips, nutrition advice, garden cooking demos and more.
Community can also join the ‘crop swap’ and bring their own fruit, veggies and plants to share.
TSRA Chairperson George Nona said the garden workshop supported food sustainability, community connection and healthy, active lifestyle choices.
“The free event as part of TSRA’s Mekem Garden initiative brings together the best of our Torres Strait traditions with new ways to grow healthy and nutritious food locally,” Mr Nona said.
“Our Elders taught us the value of growing and eating food straight from the land. This workshop brings our heritage into the present with practical steps for home gardening.
“Fresh, homegrown kaikai is good for our families, our environment and healthy communities,” he said.
All welcome – no registrations required!
A fundraiser BBQ will also be hosted by the Sacred Heart Church.
The free gardening workshop is proudly led by TSRA and Torres Shire Council in partnership with Community Enterprise Queensland and the Queensland Government – Biosecurity Queensland.
Learn more at www.tsra.gov.au
About TSRA’s Mekem Garden initiative
Part of TSRA’s Environmental Management Program, Mekem Garden supports horticultural advice and activities across the Torres Strait region to support traditional gardening practices alongside modern methods for sustainable, fresh food grown.
TSRA’s Environmental Management Program aims to bring together traditional wisdom and the world’s best science to protect the ecological complexity and biodiversity of the unique Torres Strait region, including strong and enduring connection to land, sea and culture.
Free gardening workshop
9am-12pm
Saturday 6 September 2025
Anzac Park, Thursday Island
All welcome – no registrations needed!