We would like to thank the previous Committee and people who have continued the important work of Growing Abundance.
Our Team
Grace Nicol – Secretary, Committee of Management
Grace loves gardens. She is passionate about the ethos of sharing food, and that we are not all single
units and houses doing our own things… growing our own fruit trees. She loves the community aspect of
Growing Abundance based on share and swapping. Grace joined the community after having lived
in the region for many years, and was so inspired by what Growing Abundance did. When the business was under threat of folding
through the pandemic years, she was inspired to join the committee to help it through its next
stages of development. She sees Growing Abundance as too good a project, with a great view of the
world, that it needs to continue!
Eliza Gilchrist – Castlemaine Seed Library Representative, Committee of Management
Eliza is passionate about gardening, and is the coordinator for the Castlemaine Seed Library. Castlemaine Seed Library provides a hub for the community to access free local vegetable, herb and flower seeds, donated by local gardeners – and its longstanding partnership with Growing Abundance has provided opportunities for connection and abundance within our local systems.
Eliza is also an Artist whereby feels she is trained to look for opportunities. She feels the name ‘Growing Abundance’ articulates
beautifully the opportunities and generosity of gardening and gardeners and the land that is really
essential for the community.
Ruby Carrodus – Chair, Committee of Management
When Ruby was new to the region she wanted to get involved, and help out, in local community
groups. She is passionate about food sovereignty and the environment, gardening and growing food.
So she was really excited to discover Growing Abundance. She sees it as a project with so much
potential, that can help facilitate and connect people in a really positive way: outside and
around food.
Mandy Field – Committee of Management
Mandy is passionate about food sovereignty and food security. As a mum, she is passionate about
young people and their future. She sees Growing Abundance as a place of connection for people in the broader
community as well as with other organisations who are collaborating for a shared community
vision. She joined the committee at a time of change, and is excited to be part of the team as it pivots toward what the community needs now.
Jane Mallick PhD – Fundraising and Development Coordinator
Jane comes to Growing Abundance with a background in Organisational Development and Health and Social
Research and Development. She is loving bringing the skills she learnt in her time in various
government and not-for-profit organisations to help Growing Abundance at this pivotal time in its operation.
Jane loves gardens, gardening and food. She is passionate about growing and eating local, fresh
produce as a means of food sovereignty and healthy communities. She is growing a large
permaculture-inspired garden in Taradale and regularly swaps her excess produce at weekend
markets in the region.
Ruby Everett – Harvest Coordinator
Ruby has a background in Environmental Education, community composting and market gardening. She believes that food production and consumption is on of the most essential components to the way that we engage with ourselves, our communities and the places we inhabit. Ruby thinks that Growing Abundance has so much potential as a grass roots community organisation, that empowers communities around food through education and hands-on, practical food management. She is excited to have the opportunity to be a part of this project.
Vacant Position – Treasurer
We are currently looking for a new treasurer and two more committee members. Click here if you would like to learn more about becoming part of our team.