The Patch Open Day

Today was another Patch Open Day.

I headed down there on my lunch break and was very pleased to see that The Patch is going from strength to strength! I can't begin to describe the beneficial vibes this place is putting out! I am always blown away by the sense of connection, belonging and purpose everyone has when they become part of the life of The Patch!

There were so many young people there today and all of them seemed to be completely engaged and actively creating a space where we all can flourish! What was really inspiring this time (as with every other time I've visited) was how the young men and women take on a sense of ownership and pride in the jobs they are doing and the space they are creating! This stuff is GOLD!

I won't bore you with a long story about why I think The Patch is so important or how I believe that it is projects like this that will lead our society towards a brighter more inclusive future. Towards interdependence and away from a destiny of social apathy and self interest.

Just have a brows through the images and enjoy the green, feel the peace, imagine the garden of sensory delights that is growing.



(New Permaculture project)


(Just another great banana tree)


(Snake: To be planted out with sweet potato)



(Paving: It's all about teamwork. Mentoring is a crucial element)



(This is a safe place for even the smallest of visitors)


(Winged beans... I am not going to stop posting photos of these)

Down at The Patch folks are preparing for the Open Day between 10:00am - 11:30am on Thursday 14th August.
The open day is an important opportunity for the students to present their projects and engage visitors. A lot has been done during the first half of this year and there will be heaps to show off.


View Larger Map
Enter The Patch via the gate on Leanyer drive, follow the road straight through towards the big clump of trees at the end of the long Shed, park your car and follow the sound of happy people and you will find The Patch.

The Patch

A fine bamboo construction by Felix and Godfrey
(Down at The Patch the guys are becoming quite handy with the local resources)

Great news. A grant has been awarded to The Patch to help provide training and programs for young people.

There was a planning meeting on Saturday and The Patch organizing committee invited all friends and interested parties to come along and participate. There wasn't a huge response, however the day was quite fruitful and some important issues were covered. It's looking like we a coordinator will be employed which will equate to more days that The Patch can be utilized and further program planning can take place.

Neighborhood watch have expressed an interest in using the large shed on the block for an office and would like to arrange for some clean-up work to be done on the site so that it doesn't appear neglected. This could be a further opportunity to forge firm relationships in the local community.



Kath and Judy sharing the history of The Patch



Kath shares the vision of The Patch and the positive outcomes for the community



Brendin and Judy brain storming


Presenting our ideas to council

We need as many supporters as possible to come along for our presentation to the Darwin City Council on Tuesday 13 May at the DCC. Meeting opens 5:00 pm we present our proposal at 5.15.
Please come and show your support. We need council to share our vision for this great community development before they make plans to subdivide the site. If we fail to gain their support we stand to loose this great location and will need to start all over again somewhere else (if a suitable location can be found)

The Patch

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if your community had some shared space where you could all come together to learn new skills or share your experience and skills, maybe grow a few vegetables or engage in some kind of urban agricultural activities? I often imagine a more productive and engaged community where people are able to maintain a connection to the earth and the production of their own food.
I wonder if shopping mall convenience and an abundance of goods has produced a happier more fulfilled society, or if we have just become more demanding consumers. I often wonder if we have lost our connection to the life force that sustains us. Human beings are organic and spiritual beings; we need more than the material abundance that our inflated economy has provided us. I know I do anyway. Of course there are ways to fulfill this inner need for a connection with the place we live in, other living things and our own spirituality, but wouldn't it be great if that connection was intrinsically linked to our daily life rather than a diversion from it?


An inviting entrance

Recently I came in contact with a small group of teachers and students who have created a wonderful garden and creative space where they are able to learn and develop important skills while improving their relationships with the local community and creating a place of beauty. This group has created a small piece of paradise on the edge of the Northern Suburbs of Darwin. They call it 'The Patch.'

About a month ago when I first visited The Patch I felt overcome with the sense of inclusion and the warm welcome my family and I received. The Patch currently occupies a small amount of space but with the great vibes this place has already created it has potential to grow into something grand.

I have since discovered that the (Council owned) land may be sold off to a real estate developer for subdivision. Given the potential good The Patch has to offer my neighborhood and the Darwin community generally I believe it must be fought for. Seriously! This place could become a critical component in the health and welfare of our town! It has so much to offer. I do not want to harp on about the evils of our capitalist democracy but I must say that the balance between the good of the community and the greed of the individual are grossly skewed. It seems to me that the imperative to amass great amounts of personal wealth while our commons dwindle and are neglected. We have an opportunity to do something great for our community and the generations who will inherit the spaces we leave for them. Let's give them something special!

Snake beans just planted


Some other kind of bean? I have no idea what!