11 May 2025
The Nowra Community Food Store (NCFS) was one of eight recipients of the 2025 ActewAGL Community Grants program, using the funding to deliver its ‘Grow a Row’ initiative, a project that has delivered far more than fresh produce to the local community.
Launched in spring 2025, the ‘Grow a Row’ initiative provides the local community with seasonal seedlings to plant at home, alongside practical videos and resources to help them successfully grow their own produce.
Managing Director of NCFS, Jemma Tribe, said the funding helped the organisation expand its community garden and deepen local involvement.
“We had really struggled to access fresh produce in recent years,” Ms Tribe said. “We had already started working on our garden and this funding enabled us to expand that space and involve our community.”
While the project’s primary goal was to increase the variety and volume of fresh produce available to those in need, it has also delivered broader benefits by encouraging greater community participation.
“The funding enabled us to engage experts to support the growth of the garden, and volunteers were key to establishing the space,” said Ms Tribe. “The garden has become a beautiful and welcoming area, which has encouraged more volunteers to get involved. That support has helped our crops thrive.”
By sharing seedlings and growing tips with the wider community, the initiative has strengthened community connections and encouraged more people to get involved.
“Providing seedlings and advice on how to grow seasonal produce has led to greater engagement from the broader community, including an increase in donated produce,” Ms Tribe said. “It’s reminded people that we welcome donations of home-grown produce.”
NCFS is currently growing its autumn crop of dwarf peas, with the final crop for the project set to launch ahead of winter.
“We’re extremely grateful to ActewAGL for supporting this project,” Ms Tribe said. “I encourage other Nowra-based not-for-profit organisations and community groups to apply for the 2026 grants.”
ActewAGL Acting Retail General Manager Rohan Richardson said the program aims to support initiatives that deliver direct value to local communities.
“We are so pleased to hear of the success of the ‘Grow a Row’ initiative and the positive impact it is having for the community in Nowra,” Mr Richardson said.
“Our Community Grants program supports projects and organisations that deliver lasting, tangible benefits to the communities we serve, and this initiative is clearly a great example of that.”
Since launching, the ActewAGL Community Grants program has supported over 80 organisations across the ACT and south-east NSW, providing grants of up to $30,000 to individual organisations.
Applications for the 2026 Community Grants are now open. Read details on how to apply.
