New social enterprise GROW Gardens launches, planting career pathways for First Nations youth

A new Melbourne-based social enterprise is transforming how the city approaches green space – and social impact – with the official launch of GROW Gardens, a First Nations-led horticultural enterprise providing paid employment pathways for young Aboriginal Victorians.

Launched on October 10, GROW Gardens combines commercial-quality gardening and landscaping with a strong social purpose: creating opportunities for young First Nations people to gain skills, mentoring and long-term careers in horticulture.

The initiative has already attracted strong early support, with the City of Melbourne confirmed among its first clients. Other recent projects include work for Stowe and several residential garden commissions delivered through PBG.

In its first year, three young First Nations crew members from across Melbourne have been employed and trained by GROW Gardens, which partners with the Killara Foundation to provide wrap-around wellbeing support, cultural safety and ongoing mentorship.

Co-founder Damian Walsh said GROW Gardens was born from a desire to merge sustainability with social justice.

“Every GROW Gardens project is an opportunity to create both beautiful landscapes and brighter futures,” Mr Walsh said. “Partnering with us means getting reliable, high-quality horticultural work while investing in the next generation of First Nations leaders.”

The enterprise marked a major milestone this month with the completion of its first large-scale project for the City of Melbourne – a rooftop garden showcasing native plants with cultural significance, including Murnong daisies, Bulbine lilies, and Chocolate and Vanilla lilies.

The garden was designed to provide both a vibrant green space for council employees and a symbol of connection between culture, nature and community.

Cr Dr Olivia Ball, chair of the City of Melbourne’s Aboriginal Melbourne portfolio, said the partnership represented the kind of inclusive and purposeful collaboration the city wanted to foster.

This project is about more than greenery – it’s about bringing culture and community together,” Cr Dr Ball said. “We’re proud to partner with GROW Gardens to enliven our rooftop space while supporting meaningful employment opportunities for young First Nations Melburnians.

Mr Walsh said the City of Melbourne collaboration was just the beginning, with GROW Gardens now calling on councils, developers and contractors to engage its services as a way to deliver genuine social procurement outcomes.

“It was a privilege to showcase our amazing team in action during the City of Melbourne project,” he said.

GROW Gardens plans to expand its operations in 2026, growing its workforce and continuing to connect First Nations youth with training, mentoring and meaningful work in the city’s green spaces. •