Miwa Gawaian Living Streets Verge Garden Competition
9 September to 9 October 2024
Inner West Council is excited to announce the launch of the inaugural Miwa Gawaian* Living Streets Verge Garden Competition!
If you have a verge garden, or are thinking of starting one, now’s the perfect time to register for a chance to win fantastic prizes. Whether you’re a new or existing verge gardener, by registering under the current Inner West Council Verge Garden Policy, Guidelines and Application Form, you will automatically be entered into the 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.
Why enter?
This competition is all about celebrating our residents' contributions to creating vibrant, green streetscapes in the Inner West. 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.
Verge gardens entered under the current Verge Garden Policy will be automatically entered into the competition.
Read more and enter
How it works
A garden from each ward will be selected, with nominees receiving email notifications. Judges will visit nominated gardens between 11 and 22 November 2024, spending 20 minutes at each garden. You’ll have the chance to meet the judges, discuss your garden, and participate in a photo opportunity.
Judging will be 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.
Important dates
- Registration period: 9 September – 9 October 2024
- Judging period: 11 – 22 November 2024
- Winners notified by: 3 December 2024
Winners will be contacted using the details provided upon registration.
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.