Farm My School launches second community farm project

CEO and Co-Founder of Farm My School, James McLennan, on the farm at Bellarine Secondary College

Colac Otway Shire will host Victoria’s second Farm My School project, with more than 1.5 acres at Colac Secondary College to be transformed into a regenerative community farm.

The $762,450 initiative, funded through VicHealth’s Local Partnerships for Food First program, will increase access to healthy food, create hands-on learning opportunities, and strengthen community connections.

Farm My School, a not-for-profit that repurposes underused school grounds, successfully piloted its model at Bellarine Secondary College in Drysdale. CEO and Co-Founder James McLennan said the Colac farm will build on that success.
“Thanks to VicHealth, we’re bringing meaningful change to another community and expanding our goal to help young people grow real food, develop real skills, and build real connection with community and Country,” he said.

Colac Otway Mayor Jason Schram said the timing was important. “With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on local families, this initiative comes at a great time,” Cr Schram said.

The farm will supply produce for the community while supporting applied learning across agriculture, waste management, soil regeneration, bio-chemistry, art and photography.

Colac Area Health's Health Promotion Coordinator, Emily Alston, said the service is excited to be part of the partnership. “With 12.1% of residents in the shire experiencing anxiety about running out of money to buy food, a figure higher than the state average, this grant and community-led approach are both timely and necessary,” she said.

Only 3.9 per cent of adults in the shire meet daily fruit and vegetable guidelines, according to the 2023 Victorian Population Health Survey.

Community engagement activities will begin in coming months to ensure the farm is inclusive and accessible for all residents.