North Fremantle Social Farm

Louise Kaestner
Jan 31, 2025
2 min read

Source: Screenshot (2025).

Response from North Fremantle Social Farm

On the 29th of January, 2025, I received a response from the North Fremantle Social Farm in the city of Fremantle.

What inspired you?

Personally I'm employed by the farm and when i started 5 years ago I was simply wanting a change from an average office job. I've always loved growing veggies and also working in community with volunteers. The woman who founded the farm was inspired by her family's experience with mental health and was interested in therapeutic gardening.

How long have you been running?

The Farm has been running as North Freo Social Farm for 5.5 years. Prior to this it ran as 'Growing Change' and was more of a therapeutic garden, however this phase stopped for various reasons after about 12 months.

What was your original source of funding?

Funding was received mainly from Impact 100 from the Fremantle Foundation. We also received smaller in kind donations eg reticulation.

How much was it?

$100.000 from Impact 100

What are your ongoing costs?

see attached

How do you fund the garden now?

see attached

Any grants you recommend?

We look at all grants we can find. Often we've been successful with local, state and federal grants, rather than private company grants

What are your two best crops?

sliverbeet, garlic

What are your two worst crops?

corn, dikon radish

Do you use fertiliser or worms?

we use both organic fertiliser and worm castings

Do you use any Indigenous crop?

e have a small bush tucker area, more as a demonstration rather than productive food area

What is one tip or trick you’ve used that has impacted your success in a positive way?

get good shade established through summer!

What is one mistake in the garden you wished you’d never made?

designed more shaded areas over growing spaces and also people places.

Synthesis from North Fremantle Social Farm

This farm has a successful business model. They earn and spend a lot of money, all from memberships. It's a pick-your-own-produce subscription model which works well. It works so well, in fact, that they pay a farmer a part time wage. Furthermore, they donate their food to housing organisations, so they are putting back into the community. I do like this model, but for the vision I have for Curtin, it isn't suitable.

hello@northfreosocialfarm.org