More than 40 clients and supporters gathered last week to celebrate Murnong Day with GROW Gardens — a social enterprise which supports young First Nations Victorians through jobs and training in gardening, landscaping, horticulture and environmental restoration.
Held in a Naarm laneway on Thursday morning, the event offered a native-inspired morning tea and a chance to meet the young Indigenous people employed through GROW. At the centre of the celebration was the Murnong, or yam daisy — a resilient native plant with deep cultural significance.
Lowanna Gwillam, a Yitha Yitha and Nari Nari woman working with GROW, said the day was a chance for the team to "show off our skills to all the people who helped us when we were looking for work".
"It was good to be able to show our new gardening skills and personal growth in such a short period of time," she said.
"To be able to demonstrate my skills in planting and use this to give back to those mentors and other supporters made me feel really good about myself."
Guests were shown how to pot Murnong daisies into larger containers for future harvesting and sharing. Each person also planted Murnong seeds to take home — a gesture aimed at spreading awareness of one of the ultimate survivors in the plant world.
The GROW team also shared how their program helps young First Nations people gain employment, offering hands-on horticulture training, daily mentoring and a supportive space to grow practical skills and confidence.
Ms Gwillam said the program has helped her feel more comfortable asking for guidance.
"Being around fellow Indigenous people when starting a new job made me feel more comfortable and made starting a new job easier," she said.
"I like how the GROW Gardens team is able to have a yarn and a laugh when I need it and at other times I can put my head down and get to work and focus on the task."
A GROW spokesperson said the organisation offers more than just employment opportunities, thanks to wrap-around support from their partners at the Killara Foundation.
"Our work spans commercial, residential and government clients, delivering everything from mowing and planting to mulching and garden care. It was a privilege to showcase our team in action and give guests a glimpse of the powerful change that's already growing," they said.
GROW is now seeking to connect with "like-minded organisations who have small to mid-sized garden projects" in and around Naarm.
"Whether it's ongoing maintenance, planting, or a one-off transformation, we'd love to collaborate with those who share our commitment to community, sustainability, and creating real opportunities for young First Nations people," they said.
