General News
24 October, 2025
Gardeners’ work in ruin
GARDENERS who enjoy tending to the Camperdown and District Community House’s Community Garden have been left frustrated and disheartened after vandals left a mess and destroyed produce plants.
The community garden, which is tended to by community members during school terms every Tuesday under the community house’s Grow Community program, saw plants damaged and pots spilled to the ground recently.
Grow Community program coordinator Kim Cragg said it was “frustrating and disheartening” to see the damage done.
“We’ve had people come in and take some lemons from the swap and share cabinet, rip them up and throw them around the place,” she said.
“They’ve pulled up our pumpkin and beetroot seedlings, as well as swedes and garlic which was not ready to be pulled up.
“We found garlic bulbs in the pots along the fence line.
“They dumped rubbish, treating the garden like it’s a dumping ground.
“We’re working really hard to create the Grow Community program and to grow for the swap and share and community – to have people come in and pull up the seedlings we are trying to grow is very frustrating.”
A private plot was also affected with gardener Warren Clementson’ spring onions and pea plants affected by the vandalism.
The pea plant has been ripped from the top of the supports, while the spring onions have been trampled in.
Mr Clementson said it was disappointing to see the damage done, particularly as he had been sharing the peas off his pea plant due to the plant’s strong growth.
“If they were taking them, they’ve done damage and other people aren’t going to get any now,” he said.
“I don’t mind sharing because there were heaps of them.
“I was telling people to help themselves, but if they help themselves and cause damage, it’s not very good.”
The community garden has been targeted in a number of incidents, according to Camperdown and District Community House coordinator Emily Mercer.
Hose reels, green house shelving and even bench seating have been reported stolen in previous years.
Ms Mercer said the community garden was there for the community and called for those who have been vandalising the garden to show respect to the community facility.
“We’ve had a series of petty vandalism in the community garden over the years at different times, which is really disheartening,” she said.
“Especially for the gardeners who put so much time and effort into creating a beautiful space for the community and growing produce to share.
“I think the most disappointing thing of this round of vandalism is the damage done to the produce inside the swap and share cabinet, which is there for anyone who might want or need some fresh produce – they’re unusable.
“If anybody sees or knows anything about vandalism in the community garden, please let us or the police know.”
Camperdown Police Leading Senior Constable Kate Schroder said police have advised the Community House to install CCTV cameras the deter future incidents.
“It’s unacceptable behaviour,” she said.
“People have put a lot of hard work into the garden, and to see it vandalised is disrespectful of their efforts.”
Anyone with information can contact Ms Mercer on 5593 1403, the Camperdown Police on 5593 1000, or report anonymously online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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