MUNGINDI’s Little Sprouts Community Garden has received funding through the  Nutrien Ag Solutions-Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal grants program.

The project at Mungindi Daycare and Pre-School, under the leadership of Mungindi Community Education Association, received $5000 to establish a community garden after a grant application was lodged by former president, Lisa Orchin.

New Mungindi Community Education Association president, Holly Orchin, said a community garden designed to bring children and elderly residents together in a shared space of learning, growth, and connection will start to bloom next year.

“The garden will serve as an educational hub where participants can collaborate on cultivating fresh, healthy produce while exchanging knowledge and experiences across generations,” Ms Orchin said.

“By combining the energy and curiosity of youth with the wisdom and life stories of our senior community members, the project aims to strengthen community bonds and promote sustainable, healthy living practices.

“We are deeply grateful for this generous support, which will make a meaningful impact within our new daycare facility. The funding will go toward creating accessible garden beds, providing tools and educational materials, and hosting community members to share this experience.

“This initiative represents more than just a garden – it’s a living classroom and a place where relationships can flourish alongside the plants,” she said.

“The community garden will be placed on the outside of the playground – on the western side – to ensure there is enough room and enables opportunities for growth.

“Mungindi Community Education Association looks forward to welcoming community members of all ages to take part in this inspiring new project that will commence in 2026,” Ms Orchin said.

The Little Sprouts Community Garden project at Mungindi Daycare and Pre-School has received $5000 through the Nutrien Ag Solutions and Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal grants program.

Awarded through the Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program, the funding will support a wide range of community-led projects, including facility upgrades, inclusive and accessible improvements to public spaces and events, equipment and supplies to help address food insecurity and foster connections, technology and equipment upgrades to support volunteers and create spaces to educate and support young people.

Since launching in 2021, the program has awarded over $1.25 million in grants to more than 250 not-for-profits that are working to support the wellbeing and vitality of their local communities.

Corporate Affairs advisor at Nutrien Ag Solutions, Madeleine Muirhead, said the program reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to support people and projects that contribute to the success and wellbeing of rural and regional Australia.

“Our support for country Australia extends beyond the farm, to the communities that support agriculture,” Ms Muirhead said.

“Most of our staff live and work in these regions, so we understand the value and importance of empowering local people to build a safe, successful and sustainable future for their communities. “Our Community Grants Program supports the grassroots organisations that make a meaningful difference in their communities,” Ms Muirhead said.

Head of Granting at Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal, Jill Karena, said the Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program continues to demonstrate the power of small grants.

“Each grant round reaffirms just how deeply local groups understand their communities and know what’s really needed to make life better,” Ms Karena said.

“Many of the projects we’re supporting this year are creating lasting change – whether through infrastructure that will be used for years to come, or initiatives that strengthen social connections and community identity.

“It’s inspiring to see such thoughtful, locally-led initiatives that reflect a clear understanding of what makes each community unique and resilient,” she said.