Oakhill Food Justice Farm
Oakhill is a community space to gather, share and connect over food. It also serves as the head office and heart of Sustain: The Australian Food Network, our founding organisation. Here you’ll find policy experts, community farmers, connectors and researchers working side-by-side to build a better food system for all.
Formerly the clergy house of St Mary's Anglican Church, Oakhill now hosts a thriving urban farm, food forest, regular community events and programmes like our food justice internship and corporate volunteering. As a 'food is free' initiative, 100% of the produce grown onsite is donated to DIVRS, who distribute food packages to local families facing food insecurity.
As the centre of the Growing Food Justice community farm collective and training network, Oakhill holds a special place in our mission to empower community connection through food.
“Accessible and regenerative green spaces like Oakhill Justice Farm aren’t just vital for our suburbs. They’re absolutely pivotal to creating a vibrant and healthy city - and country - for all.”
The history of Oakhill Food Justice Farm
The transformation of the former St Mary’s vicarage into a community farm began in September 2021, amidst the global pandemic.
The first co-design event – a digital tour and online conversation – brought together the emerging partners of Oakhill Food Justice Farm. Participants from neighbourhood houses, community centres, Learn Local Employment Networks and Local Council came together to help shape the future of 233 Tyler St, laying plans for community facilitated farming, food forestry and an educational composting program.
The Oakhill Farm open day and co-design for local residents, organisations and broader public soon followed. Conversations, presentations and interactive activities defined the program, including presentations on "Food Justice Farms from across the Globe" and an educational workshop about domestic composting, raised garden beds and more.
Through a collaborative design process with local community, the farm soon took shape as the vibrant space it is today. Serving as a hub for nutritious food production, community engagement, connection with nature, source of food security and place to educate and inspire young farmers – Oakhill is where we live and practice food justice, everyday.
