Community Food Hub Masterplan Update

 

April 2026

Since opening our new food relief warehouse in August 2024, a significant amount of work has been taking place behind the scenes to plan the remainder of the 2-hectare site.  We have been developing our Community Food Hub masterplan engaging with stakeholders and the wider community as part of this process.

The masterplan sets out a long-term vision for the site. While it is expected to take a number of years to fully deliver, it provides a framework to guide future development in a way that reflects community values and supports food security across our region.

The site has been named in the local Dja Dja Wurrung language by DJAARA.  We look forward to sharing details in the near future.

We encourage you to explore the interactive version of our masterplan on our website  bendigofoodshare.org.au/foodhub.

What you’ll start seeing on site

As the masterplan begins to move from concept to action, you will start to see some works taking place on site over the coming months, including:

  • Landscaping works commencing, to create a welcoming site entry.  This will include the installation of a gateway, designed through a collaboration between DJAARA and local timber sculpturist, Linton Torr from Raw Boards.

If you’ve been past the site recently, you may have noticed a large delivery of topsoil — 100 cubic metres, generously provided through in-kind support from Villawood Properties and DPJ Civil. This soil will be used as part of the upcoming landscaping works.

  • The construction of a kitchen adjoined to the existing warehouse. This will help us to turn more food waste into meals for food relief and provide an education setting for schools and other groups, with construction scheduled to commence in May/June.
  • An enterprise shed will be constructed to the rear of the existing warehouse, which will provide much needed storage for our Book Fair fundraiser.

What’s planned for later in 2026

  • We are working with YoBendigo to design and create with students a mural on the existing garden shed.
  • Fencing to help define our future urban farm and improve site safety.

We have also been successful in receiving $250,000 from the Victorian Government’s ‘Pick My Park’ program to create a natural play area, as well as construct an outdoor classroom and yarning circle in 2027.

The Bendigo Community Farmers’ Market continues to operate on site each month, and we’re pleased to confirm we’ll be hosting National Tree Day on Sunday 26 July, with more details to come about how you can get involved.

We thank you, our neighbours, and the broader community for your ongoing support.

For further information, please contact us at info@bendigofoodshare.org.au.