PepperGreen Farm

PepperGreen Farm

Feb 5, 2024 | Cleaning, Food and beverage products, Gardening

Enterprise name PepperGreen Farm

What’s the trading activity

PepperGreen Farm (PGF), is a social enterprise of WISE Employment, (formerly Access Australia Group), located at 40 Thunder Street, North Bendigo. PGF has been developed as a tourist and employment precinct, providing tourist attractions and experiences to visitors and the community, school programs, environmental practices and workshops, horticulture, and a range of biodiversity activities.

The site is home to the oldest Chinese kiln outside of Asia, the original Chinese Market gardens of Bendigo and the historical manure shed.

Here at PepperGreen Farm we’re passionate about growing fresh produce and showcasing the culture and heritage unique to Central Victoria. Fresh produce from the PGF garden isn’t just available for purchase but also used as ingredients for relishes and products sold in our retail space and as ingredients for yummy treats and meals from our cafe. 

Set on a historic significant, two hectare site close to the heart of Bendigo, PepperGreen Farm offers a range of enriching experiences for visitors. Enjoy something to eat outside surrounded by the gardens and activity at the Farm or inside in our cafe area, or for something different, sit in the historical tram to enjoy your meal.

Plenty of onsite parking is available or visitors can catch the Bendigo tram or public bus which have stops just outside of the Farm entrances. The Farm is a short walk from Lake Weeroona and Bendigo’s historic Joss House. 

Every farm visitor adds to the vibrancy and sense of community of PepperGreen Farm, thereby enriching the lives of all who work here. We appreciate your support!

What’s the social or environmental cause your enterprise addresses? PepperGreen Farm supports a range of people through targeted education, employment and community programs. In 2023, Access Australia Group merged with WISE Employment an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering the community through employment. Find out more about the merger here.

 

MADCOW

MADCOW

Feb 5, 2024 | Building and Maintenance Trades, Cleaning, Gardening, Gardening landscaping fencing, Personal and social care

Enterprise name MADCOW

What’s the trading activity MADCOW provides a range of services that provide ongoing support to those that are most vulnerable in Bendigo. Our social enterprise arm provides cleaning, gardening and community support services to the NDIS, Aged Care, commercial and domestic clients in the Bendigo region It also provides employment and training opportunities for Karen refugees. Profits from our social enterprise provide a range of services to those sleeping rough or at risk of becoming homeless.

What’s the social or environmental cause your enterprise addresses? MADCOW stands for Make A Difference, Change our World and exists to break the cycle of generational injustice. To help prevent family breakdown and homelessness. We are a self-funded social enterprise and registered charity. Our profits support our homeless services in the heart of Bendigo.

CERES Nursery

CERES Nursery

Feb 19, 2020 | Gardening

Enterprise name    CERES Nursery

What’s the trading activity   

We sell native, indoor and food plants, as well as books, garden tools and some locally, artisanally made goods such as ceramic pots and bird baths. Whether it’s a food forest or simply a window box for herbs, we supply a vast array of plants to grow and enjoy in the garden, as well as providing the knowledge and support to do so. Our customers range from novice gardeners, to experienced food growers who wish to utilise and maximise the space they have available.

What’s the social or environmental cause your enterprise addresses?

The CERES Nursery aims to encourage backyard food production. Planting a beautiful, healthy and productive garden filled with food is one of the most creative and peaceful ways to sustain individual and planetary health. The Nursery is also a place to relax, and take positive action towards creating a better world. All profits from our sales go back into supporting the programs and operations of CERES Community Environment Park.

What is the biggest challenge?

Many for-profit Nurseries can offer competitive prices and can claim to offer advice for food gardening. Our main aim is to empower our customers and provide them with access to the skills they need. We are constantly looking for new ways to reach a broader audience, maintain our legendary customer service, and make sure we are providing the right product for our community.

 

For more information, click here.