Keen gardeners of all ages joined the Mekem Garden Workshop at Thursday Island’s ANZAC Park – a fun and free event celebrating sustainable horticulture, culture and community connection on 6 September 2025.
The gardening workshop by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and Torres Shire Council, in partnership with Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) and the Queensland Government’s Biosecurity Queensland, included hands-on activities, expert demonstrations and practical advice.
The event also coincided with the popular Port Kennedy Association Inc markets.
In opening the event, TSRA Chairperson George Nona said the workshop connected the past and present by linking traditional knowledge with western science.
“The workshop wasn’t just about gardening, it was about building healthy, resilient communities through local food systems,” Mr Nona said.
“Our Elders taught us the value of growing and eating food straight from the land.
“The workshop connected traditional knowledge and culture with science and sustainability.
“It brought together the best of Torres Strait traditions with new ways to grow healthy food here in the region.”
The half-day workshop was led by TSRA’s sustainable horticulture expert George Saveka alongside presenters including Biosecurity Queensland’s Michael Zitha and CEQ Nutritionist Elia Faa.
Topics ranged from hydroponics, fertiliser and fruit trees to weeding, propagation, garden cooking and nutrition.
Mr Saveka said the free event was a huge success with a great turnout and energy from the community.
“It was inspiring to see so many people excited to learn about and grow their own food,” Mr Saveka said.
“Everyone was getting involved in the activities and asking garden questions.
“With all the positive feedback and contributions from different event partners, we’re encouraging families to keep catching up and gardening together.
“Once you understand your local soil, water and seasons, there’s plenty you can grow in the Torres Strait – you might be surprised!”
The event also sparked conversations around food security, sustainability, biosecurity and climate resilience.
Highlights included:
- how-to sessions on using hydroponics
- crop swap for sharing plants, fruit and veggies
- fruit tree, fertiliser and propagation advice for growing gardens with little land and water
- biosecurity tips to protect local ecosystems
- nutrition advice for healthy eating
- cooking demos
Want TSRA’s George Saveka to visit your community, school or organisation in the Torres Strait region? Contact info@tsra.gov.au or 4069 0700.
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.
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.
