top of page
aerial%2520shed_edited_edited.jpg

Welcome! We're Down's Community Farm, also known as
Down's Estate Community Project Inc.

We're in the exciting process of growth and development.

 

To find out more see below and on our Consultation 2020 page.

Weed Management Plan

The aim of this project is to remove high threat invasive weed species using environmentally friendly, non-chemical processes, from the Down's Estate Community Project management area.

This will create opportunities for natural re-emergence of the seed bank of indigenous plant species.
Download Weed Removal Methods PDF

We are focusing on 5 Core Areas as we plan our next steps

Our 5 Core Areas

  • Urban Agriculture

  • Community Gathering

  • Ecosystem Regeneration

  • Farm House

  • Food Sharing & Healthy Eating
     

Urban Agriculture

Exploring sustainable agriculture, community skill building and vocational training.

Community Gathering

Celebrating, learning and creating a resilient community together.

planting%20day%20-%20community%20particp

Ecosystem Regeneration

Developing a whole site plan to work with nature.

house%20entrance_edited.jpg

Farm House Restoration

Creating a multi-purpose space for community members.

Food Sharing & Healthy Eating

Nourishing meals made with our shared knowledge and skills.

Our goal is also to educate volunteers and the community about these techniques and involve them in monitoring the effectiveness of these processes to remove and prevent re-emergence of these weeds.

 

This will create opportunities for natural re-emergence of the seed bank of indigenous species.

Plant health and survival will be regularly monitored to ensure success.

 

The project will improve:

  • community knowledge and skills of ecological regeneration works

  • extent and condition of important remnant habitat

  • wildlife habitat and corridor linkages

  • community connection to our local environment and involvement in ecosystem restoration
     

Community Education and Resources

 

Non-chemical techniques used for weed eradication are relevant to:

  • home gardens

  • public spaces

  • farm scale

 

We offer the information here as a resource for local residents, public & private land managers and farmers to use for environmentally friendly weed eradication that aligns with Frankston City Council's Greening Frankston program. Subsequently there will be a reduced volume of chemicals entering the environment and impacting the health of land managers, their families, surrounding residents and produce consumers. Soils will be healthier and potentially more productive.

Our Vision

Our purpose is to foster community connection to and care for the environment and each other by establishing a community gathering and learning place at Downs Estate, Seaford.

 

Our activities include building community resilience and wellbeing, connection to local history and culture, demonstrating and teaching sustainable food production to increase local food security and actively enhancing the natural environment.

 

At all times we respect:

  • the Traditional Owners of Down’s Estate, the Boon Wurrung and Bunurong, their elders, past and present and their ongoing connection to the land

  • the natural environment surrounding and within Downs Estate

  • the challenge of rapid climate change, balancing human needs with those of the land and its flora and fauna

  • the past, present and future value of the site for the local community and visitors to Frankston City

Permatil -East Timor

Frankston Environment Friends Network

Frankston Food Access Network
 
Friends of Edithvale & Seaford Wetlands

Afri Aus Care
Patterson River Secondary College

Edithvale Green Grocer
 
New Harvest Seaford

Scotsburn Nursery
 
Port Phillip Westernport Catchment Management Authority



 
Frankston & surrounding community

Frankston City Council,
 
University of Melbourne,
 
State + Federal Governments
Belvedere Community Centre

Thank you to our Supporters & Stakeholders

Follow Our Journey on Social Media

See links below

bottom of page