The Community Plate’s recent Grow Free Cart Toolkit Launch brought together a fantastic group of 45 community members passionate about sharing food, reducing waste, and building stronger local connections. The event was filled with enthusiasm, laughter, learning, and plenty of inspiration as attendees explored how simple acts of sharing can create meaningful change.
Participants enjoyed hearing the story behind the Grow Free movement, seeing Frankston’s first Grow Free Cart unveiled, and discovering how easy it can be to establish a cart in their own neighbourhood, workplace, school, or community group. A highlight of the morning was celebrating the incredible work of the Orwil Street Community House Women’s Shed, whose enthusiasm, skills, and craftsmanship brought the first Frankston Grow Free Cart to life. Their contribution provided a powerful example of community collaboration in action and inspired others to consider how they could become involved.
The morning also provided plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded people and exchange ideas for creating a more connected and resilient local food future. Feedback highlighted the welcoming atmosphere, positive energy, and strong sense of collaboration throughout the event. Many attendees left feeling inspired by the generosity of their community and motivated to get involved, whether by sharing homegrown produce, starting conversations with local groups, or exploring opportunities to establish new Grow Free Carts in their area.
One of the strongest themes to emerge from the morning was the power of community. Participants spoke about the importance of normalising both giving and receiving, strengthening neighbourhood connections, and creating spaces where abundance can be shared rather than wasted.
The excitement generated on the day has already sparked new ideas, conversations, and partnerships, with many attendees planning to connect with local organisations, schools, community groups, and neighbours to help grow the movement even further.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such a vibrant launch, particularly The Community Plate’s Community Urban Agriculture Action Group and the Orwil Street Community House Women’s Shed. Together, we’re helping grow a culture of sharing, connection, and community care, one cart at a time.
For more information and to get your own cart started visit here
Missed this launch? The excitement continues in Mornington! To learn more, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/tcp_carts