Our experience partnering with aboriginal organisations

At Plantfulness, we believe in the profound connections between people, nature, and community. To truly promote health, sustainability, and well-being, it’s essential to acknowledge and honor the deep knowledge and stewardship of Indigenous peoples, who have cared for the land for tens of thousands of years. Working with Indigenous organisations is not just a choice for Plantfulness—it’s a responsibility and an opportunity to learn, grow, and create meaningful change together.

Indigenous Australians have an unparalleled connection to the land, understanding its cycles, resources, and stories in ways that go far beyond modern scientific knowledge. Their sustainable practices and holistic approach to caring for Country offer powerful insights into how we can live in harmony with the environment. By collaborating with Indigenous organisations, Plantfulness can help amplify these voices and support the preservation and sharing of this invaluable knowledge.

This collaboration is also about reconciliation. By working with Indigenous organisations, we acknowledge the injustices faced by First Nations peoples and take active steps toward building respectful partnerships. Together, we can create projects that celebrate culture, promote healing, and foster stronger communities.

Plantfulness seeks to incorporate Indigenous perspectives from the plants we grow to the workshops and programs we offer. This might include using bush foods and medicinal plants in community gardens, creating spaces that honor Indigenous heritage, or learning about traditional practices of fire management, water conservation, and biodiversity.

Ultimately, working with Indigenous organisations ensures that Plantfulness’ mission to promote mental and physical health through nature is grounded in respect, inclusivity, and a shared vision for a sustainable future. Together, we can grow not only gardens but also a deeper connection to Country and each other.

We recently had the privilege of spending a day volunteering with Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association at their beautiful Indigenous nursery on the Mornington Peninsula. The experience was not only a chance to get our hands dirty and help nurture their thriving gardens, but also an opportunity to connect with the land and learn about the rich culture, traditions, and practices of the local Indigenous community.

Our day began with a warm welcome from the Willum Warrain team, who shared the story behind their organisation. “Willum Warrain” means “home by the sea” in the Boon Wurrung language, reflecting their deep connection to the land and water of this region. Their nursery plays a vital role in the community, providing native plants that are not only sustainable and resilient but also culturally significant.

We rolled up our sleeves to help with pricking out seedlings, a delicate and meditative process that involves transplanting young plants into larger containers to help them grow. Handling these tiny native plants reminded us of the care and attention needed to nurture life, whether it’s a seedling, a garden, or a community.

We also assisted with planting and preparing new spaces for future growth. Working with native species like kangaroo paw, lemon myrtle, and bush tucker plants, we learned about their importance in traditional Indigenous diets, medicine, and cultural practices. It was inspiring to hear about the ways these plants have been used sustainably for thousands of years, providing food and healing while maintaining harmony with the environment.

Throughout the day, the Willum Warrain team generously shared their knowledge of Country—a term that goes far beyond physical land, encompassing the spiritual, cultural, and ecological significance of place. We gained a deeper understanding of the Boon Wurrung people’s connection to the land, the seasonal rhythms they follow, and the stories that have been passed down for generations.

For us at Plantfulness, this experience was a reminder of the power of gardening not just as a practice, but as a way to foster relationships—with the earth, with each other, and with the knowledge that shapes our understanding of sustainability and community.

Volunteering with Willum Warrain was a humbling and enriching experience that left us with new skills, new friends, and a renewed sense of purpose. It reinforced the importance of collaboration and respect in everything we do, and the critical role Indigenous knowledge plays in caring for the land and promoting well-being.

We encourage everyone in the Plantfulness community to seek out opportunities to work with Indigenous organisations like Willum Warrain. It’s not just about giving back—it’s about learning, growing, and walking together toward a healthier, more connected future.

If you’d like to support Willum Warrain or get involved, you can find more information on their incredible work here. Let’s continue to grow together—one seedling, one story, and one act of care at a time.