Miwa Gawaian Living Streets Verge Garden Competition
2024 competition winners
Gulgadya Ward (Leichhardt)
Winner: Jane Messer – Edith Street, Leichhardt
Runner up: Craig Waddell – Nelson Street, Annandale
Baludarri Ward (Balmain)
Winner: Bradley Saywell – Hudson Street, Annandale
Runner up: Alexandra Rose – Rose Street, Annandale
Djarrawunang Ward (Ashfield)
Winner: Isabel Muldoon – Durham Street, Dulwich Hill
Runner up: Claire Cavanagh – Kensington Road, Summer Hill
Midjuburi Ward (Marrickville)
Winner: Angeline Drinan – Victoria Road, Marrickville
Runner up: Hetty Blythe – Day Street, Marrickville
Damun Ward (Stanmore)
Winner: Graham Hunt – Durham Street, Stanmore
Runner up: Fiona Wade – Dickson Street, Marrickville
About the competition
In 2024 Inner West Council held the inaugural Miwa Gawaian* Living Streets Verge Garden Competition.
This competition celebrates the fantastic work and dedication of our participating residents for keeping our streets alive and beautiful through the Living Streets Program.
By planting and maintaining verge gardens, you help enhance the area's ecological health, boost biodiversity, and improve liveability. Your efforts also play a key role in showing community commitment to Caring for Country and creating greener, healthier streets.
How it works
For the inaugural 2024 competition, verge gardens registered under the Inner West Council Verge Garden Policy, Guidelines and Application Form were automatically entered into the competition.
A garden from each ward is selected, with nominees receiving email notifications. Judges visit nominated gardens, spending 20 minutes at each garden. Participants have the chance to meet the judges, discuss your garden, and participate in a photo opportunity.
Judging is based on the following criteria:
- Verge gardens should feature locally sourced native plants.
- Gardens should provide habitat-friendly spaces, attracting native fauna such as birds, lizards, and insects.
- Adherence to Council’s Verge Garden Policy and Guidelines is required.
- Gardens should show evidence of biodiversity benefit, such as habitat creation.
Free gardening resources
Don’t forget, you can collect free plants from our local nurseries to help kick-start your garden! Our expert staff will also be available to offer helpful advice. Plus, you can pick up free mulch from Marrickville Nursery. Visit the links below for more information:
*Miwa Gaiwan – Traditional name of the waratah flower/seasonal indicator.
Permission to use the D'harawal seasonal calendar is granted by the D'harawal Traditional Knowledge holders' and Descendents' Circle, and Dr. Aunty Francis Bodkin-Andrews.