The Burra Gardens
Growing Food, Connection and Opportunity in Sebastopol
The Burra Gardens is a new community garden and learning project in the heart of Sebastopol.
Led by Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre, the garden is transforming unused land on Spencer Street into a welcoming space where people can grow food, learn new things, meet new people and spend time outdoors.
More than a garden, The Burra Gardens is a community project that brings people together. As the garden grows, there will be opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to volunteer, learn, share ideas and help shape the future of the space.
Where we are going
The Burra Gardens is being created as a place where people can come together, learn from each other and feel part of their community.
As the garden grows, people will be able to:
- Grow fresh food
- Learn practical gardening skills
- Spend more time outdoors
- Meet new people and build friendships
- Support birds, bees and other wildlife
- Share knowledge and experiences
Most importantly, we want The Burra Gardens to be a place where everyone feels welcome.
What's Happening Now?
The Burra Gardens is already taking shape.
The first stage of the project created the buildings and facilities needed to support the garden, including a training room, potting-up room, storage areas and outdoor learning spaces.
Now we're moving into the next stage – creating the gardens themselves.
Planned areas include:
- Fruity Forest: running along the footpath, our forest features fruit and edible plants that can be picked and enjoyed by the community.
- Nursery Area: A space where plants can be grown for use throughout the garden while supporting learning and community activities.
- Farming Gardens: Food-growing areas that support community programs, workshops and hands-on learning.
- Wildlife Corridor: Gardens with plants that provide food and shelter for birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife.
- Waste Recovery Area: A practical space for community composting, as well as resue and recycle opportunities
- Community Areas: Places to sit, gather, learn, celebrate and enjoy being part of the garden.
The Burra Gardens is still in its early days. Like all great community gardens, it will grow and change over time.
The best ideas often come from the people who use the space. That's why we want the community involved from the beginning.
Get Involved
The Burra Gardens belongs to the community, and everyone is welcome.
- Volunteer: Help us plant, grow and care for the gardens while meeting new people and learning new skills.
- Join our Learn Local Urban Farming Course: Take part in gardening, sustainability and community learning activities.
- Share Your Skills: Do you know a lot about gardening, construction, arts or something else you'd love to share? Or, do you simply enjoy helping out? We'd love to hear from you.
- Partner With Us: Community groups, businesses, schools and organisations can support the garden through volunteering, donations, sponsorship or collaborative projects.
- Stay Connected: Follow the garden's progress, come along to events and help shape what comes next.
Growing Together
The Burra Gardens is a community investment in a greener, healthier and more connected future for Sebastopol.
Whether you're an experienced gardener, curious beginner, student, volunteer, neighbour or supporter, there's a place for you here.
Come and grow with us.
Latest News
2026 - Ballarat Foundation Supports Nursery Precinct Development
Sporting a band new name, ‘The Burra Gardens,’ our community garden in Sebastopol is delighted to receive $14,200 from the Ballarat Foundation to support the development of its Nursery Precinct.
2025 - Greenhouse Development Supported by William Buckland Foundation Grant.
Construction of a new greenhouse at new Sebastopol Gardens has received a major boost thanks to a $20,000 grant from Equity Trustees through the William Buckland Foundation Small Grants Program.
2025 - Fruity Forest Takes Root Thanks to Bendigo Bank Sparking Change
We are excited to announce the establishment of the new Fruity Forest in our new community garden space, made possible through a $6,500 grant from the Bendigo Bank Community Bank Buninyong Sparking Change (Spark Tank) Program.
2021 - A Foundation for Growth: State Government Investment Helps Launch a new Garden in Sebastopol
Our garden journey began in 2021 with a significant $350,000 investment secured through the support of Michael Settle MP in response to findings from the Spotlight on Sebastopol initiative.
Latest News
2026 - Ballarat Foundation Supports Nursery Precinct Development
Sporting a band new name, ‘The Burra Gardens,’ our community garden in Sebastopol is delighted to receive $14,200 from the Ballarat Foundation to support the development of its Nursery Precinct.
The funding will assist with fitting out the new greenhouse and establishing essential nursery infrastructure, creating a dedicated space for propagating plants, growing seedlings, and supporting hands-on learning opportunities for the community.
The Nursery Precinct will help strengthen the garden's ability to produce plants for use across the site while providing practical pathways for skill development, volunteering, and community engagement.
This investment will help The Burra Gardens continue to grow as a place where people can connect, learn, and contribute to a greener, more resilient Sebastopol. We thank the Ballarat Foundation for its commitment to supporting community-led initiatives that create lasting local impact.
2025 - Greenhouse Development Supported by William Buckland Foundation Grant
Construction of a new greenhouse at new Sebastopol Gardens has received a major boost thanks to a $20,000 grant from Equity Trustees through the William Buckland Foundation Small Grants Program.
The greenhouse will play a key role in supporting plant propagation, seedling production, and community education activities across the garden precinct. It will provide a dedicated space for volunteers, learners, and community members to develop practical growing skills while helping increase local food production.
This investment represents an important step in building the long-term sustainability of The Burra Gardens and will help create new opportunities for education, environmental stewardship, and community participation.
Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre is grateful to the William Buckland Foundation for supporting the next stage of this growing community project.
2025 - Fruity Forest Takes Root Thanks to Bendigo Bank Sparking Change
We are excited to announce the establishment of the new Fruity Forest in our new community garden space, made possible through a $6,500 grant from the Bendigo Bank Community Bank Buninyong Sparking Change (Spark Tank) Program.
The first step into Stage 2 of the Garden build, and developed by the Urban Farming Adult Community Education Program, the Fruity Forest will provide a welcoming space filled with fruit trees and edible plants that can be enjoyed by the wider community. Designed as a free-foraging area within gardens, it will demonstrate food-producing landscapes while supporting biodiversity and community learning.
This generous support helps expand opportunities for local people to connect with nature, learn about sustainable food systems, and enjoy fresh produce grown in a shared community space. Adult learners and volunteers are encouraged to get involved in developing and growing this wonderful fresh food resource for the Sebastopol community.
We thank Bendigo Bank for helping bring this exciting new feature to life.
2021 - A Foundation for Growth: State Government Investment Helps Launch a new Garden in Sebastopol
Our garden journey began in 2021 with a significant $350,000 investment secured through the support of Michael Settle MP in response to findings from the Spotlight on Sebastopol initiative.
This funding enabled the establishment of Stage 1 of the project, creating the foundations for what is now becoming a vibrant community garden precinct. The investment delivered a training room with kitchenette and toilet facilities, a potting-up room, secure storage, and a covered outdoor deck. It also supported community consultation, garden concept development, and the creation of a masterplan that continues to guide the future development of the site through Stage 2 and beyond.
The project provided local people with an opportunity to shape the vision for the site, ensuring Gardens reflects community aspirations while creating opportunities for learning, wellbeing, food growing, and social connection.