The research project is examining environmental knowledge of culturally and linguistically diverse groups in the Sunraysia Region given it is one of the most ethnically diverse rural areas of Australia. As a horticultural region, the focus of the research in the Sunraysia quickly turned to looking at migrants and refugees’ food growing skills. Through this process the researchers realised there are ‘hidden farmers’ in Australia; many newer migrants and refugees were farmers in their countries of origin and some even ran relatively large-scale farming businesses. However, in Australia, they struggle to access farmland and have few opportunities to demonstrate their farming skills. Research findings presented at a workshop for government and community representatives in Mildura, Victoria during May 2016 have led towards the establishment of a Burundian community garden.
Links
- School of Geography News - Research supporting Mildura’s ‘hidden farmers’
- ABC - Regional Victoria feels like Africa thanks to public garden
- ABC Rural story - Burundian maize harvest Sunraysia
- Facebook - Sunraysia Burundian Garden
- The Stand - University of Wollongong Australia - A garden to call home
- Sunraysia Daily - Growing Together
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For more information:
Contact: Olivia Dun
