A new Melbourne-based social enterprise, GROW Gardens, has officially launched, with City of Melbourne Council signing on to the initiative which helps create meaningful, paid employment pathways for young First Nations Victorians through horticulture.
Founded in 2025, GROW Gardens combines commercial-quality horticultural services with social purpose. Every project not only enhances green spaces across Melbourne, but also provides First Nations youth with paid work, mentoring, and long-term opportunities.
GROW Gardens’ first major milestone was reached recently with a rooftop project for the City of Melbourne Council. The team, composed of First Nations youth crew members, planted a culturally significant garden featuring native foods such as Murnong Daisies, Bulbine Lilies, and Chocolate and Vanilla Lilies.
“This project is about more than greenery – it’s about bringing culture and community together,” said Council’s head of Aboriginal Melbourne portfolio, Councillor, Olivia Ball.
“We’re proud to partner with GROW Gardens to enliven our rooftop space – creating a place for employees to connect, while also supporting meaningful employment opportunities for young First Nations Melburnians.”
Co-Founder of GROW Gardens, Damian Walsh says the Council project is “just the beginning”.
“Every GROW Gardens project is an opportunity to create both beautiful landscapes and brighter futures,” says Mr Walsh.
“Partnering with us means getting reliable, commercial-quality gardening, while also investing in the next generation of First Nations leaders.
It was a privilege to showcase our amazing team in action during the City of Melbourne project.”
GROW Gardens has also completed projects for Stowe, and many residential gardens via PBG. So far, three First Nations Youth from across Melbourne have been employed and trained by GROW Gardens this year.
GROW Gardens partners with the Killara Foundation to ensure its crew members receive wrap-around support including wellbeing check-ins, cultural safety and mentoring.
The organisation is now calling on councils, developers, contractors to consider GROW Gardens as a delivery partner that combines social procurement outcomes with tangible, on-the-ground impact.
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