Published 13 Sep 2022
GMHBA are proud to support Common Ground Project through our staff volunteering.
Common Ground Project is not-for-profit community farm that promotes food security, training and employment pathways in our region.
What do we do with Common Ground?
The Common Ground Project, located in Freshwater Creek in Victoria, is a relatively new community partner for GMHBA. A regenerative farm with a mission to share the power of good food, Common Ground Project supplies fresh fruit and vegetables to local food security charities. GMHBA staff have an opportunity to volunteer as a team and learn more about small-scale agriculture and help with farming duties. GMHBA’s people also donate through workplace giving to Give Where You Live that provides support to Common Ground.
What do they do in the community?
Common Ground exists to connect people and provide employment pathways through food and farming. They have received funding through Geelong’s charity Give Where You Live to employ people facing disadvantage in the Geelong region through a partnership with Diversitat. In particular they work with women from asylum seeker and immigrant communities seeking employment.
Through their ‘Staying Grounded’ program, they run a 6 week program that employs them once a week to gain hospitality work experience. They cook around 100-150 meals every week which are then distributed through food relief organisations.
Where did Common Ground start from?
Common Ground opened in July 2019 to empower agency and advocacy by offering an inclusive space for growing, cooking, knowledge sharing and ongoing community collaboration. Grounded in regenerative farming and in recognition of the urgent need for a more resilient food system, they believe that connection to land, food and community can drive real, meaningful social change.
How can you get involved?
- Visit the Common Ground Project at 675 Anglesea Road, Freshwater Creek, Victoria
- Learn more about Give Where You Live Foundation’s Education and Employment grants
