Yarra City Council’s innovative My Smart Garden program has won the Community Champion award at this year’s Premier’s Sustainability Awards in the Thriving Environment category.

The program, which is a collaboration with Hobsons Bay, Moonee Valley, Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Wyndham, Stonnington, Merri-bek, Port Phillip, Glen Eira and Boroondara, supports residents to transform their outdoor spaces – from balconies to backyards – into productive, low cost, sustainable gardens.

The program provides free workshops, newsletter, videos, case studies and resources on themes of food, water, shelter, habitat and waste specific to Melbourne’s climate and seasons, as well as providing community connection.

Yarra Mayor Cr Edward Crossland said the award win recognises the dedication and leadership shown across the local government sector when it comes to addressing climate change and sustainability.

“It’s fantastic to see so many councils coming together to address sustainability and climate change in a practical way,” he said.

“The My Smart Garden program supports our community by providing people with the skills and knowledge they need to live more sustainably. The program shows people how to cut food waste, save money by growing their own produce, learn how to protect local plants and wildlife, and reduce consumption,” Mayor Crossland said.

The My Smart Garden program was also recently awarded the Tidy Cities Award in the Education Category at Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria’s Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards.

For more information, visit My Smart Garden.