About Us

Horseshoe Bend Reserve (HBR) was once farmland, cultivated for generations by Keilor families before being acquired by Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works in the 1970s, eventually transforming part of the site into a Children’s Farm. In its later years, the farm was managed by various Disability Support Organisations until its closure in 2010. Following years of restricted public access, community advocacy efforts led to its reopening for passive recreation in late 2016.

The COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020 and beyond underscored the importance of accessible outdoor spaces, highlighting the need for families and communities to connect with nature and each other. The increase in visitors to the Reserve for exercise and relaxation further demonstrated the site's potential as a vibrant community hub.

Recognizing the value of this large open space and its remaining farm infrastructure, dedicated community members are now working to restore HBR as a thriving Community and Open Garden. This initiative has the potential to evolve into a long-term, volunteer-driven project that fosters engagement across the Brimbank community and beyond. Schools, disability organizations, and other local groups are encouraged to participate in meaningful activities that promote inclusion, achievement, and a shared sense of pride.

Our volunteers are deeply committed to expanding community access to the site. In collaboration with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and Parks Victoria, we continue to advocate for initiatives that support cultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.

At its core, this project encourages families to grow fresh food while creating a space for social interaction, education, and mutual support through volunteering. These efforts significantly enhance both physical and mental well-being while fostering a deeper understanding of community needs. Our first major harvest in late 2024 resulted in donations of more that 400 kilograms of fresh produce to local foodbanks including Helping Hands in Airport West and the Sunshine Salvation Army.

Through hands-on workshops and educational programs, participants can gain valuable knowledge about sustainable gardening, biodiversity, and healthy food consumption. By working together, we are building not only a productive garden but also a resilient, connected, and empowered community.

Formation of Horseshoe Bend Community Group (HSBCG) Incorporated

Negotiations for this project commenced in October 2020 between the current Horseshoe Bend Community Group Leader and the Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger. The original concept was the creation of a Community Food Garden on a previously flagged site in Brimbank Park but during the initial discussion, the possibility to develop this idea at Horseshoe Bend Reserve (HSBR) was quickly considered a more viable option.

An interim committee was formed to continue negotiations with Parks Vic and further explore the practical application of this idea. It soon became obvious that using HBR as the site would allow for a more ambitious project given the existing infrastructure at the site, its accessibility and HSBR’s iconic status in the community.

Two pilot working bees to commence clean-up of the site were undertaken and between twenty to thirty volunteers attended each of these, indicating the potential strength of a volunteer-led program.

Opportunities for funding grants were investigated and under the auspice of “3000 Acres”, HBCG applied for and were successful in obtaining a substantial grant. 

The positive progression, increasing interest and community engagement with the project led to the decision to incorporate the Community Group. This decision was ratified at a general meeting and Incorporation was finalised in July 2021.

Our Vision

A thriving community space utilising existing infrastructure, where people come together to support lifelong learning through vibrant community leadership and partnerships while respecting its rich history and leaving a legacy for future generations. .

Our Mission

To engage a diverse community of all ages and capabilities in the development of a sustainable “growing” space, which will drive positive change in the community and foster collective decision-making and knowledge sharing. 

Project Objectives

Building a Thriving Volunteer Community

Our goal is to engage and expand the local volunteer network in collaboration with Parks Victoria, welcoming community members of all backgrounds, skills, and abilities. Through this initiative, we aim to:

• Foster a sense of achievement by working together to restore a space of historical and local significance.

• Create meaningful social connections, promoting a sense of belonging and inclusion.

• Empower individuals by offering opportunities to give back and support vulnerable members of the community.

• Encourage outdoor activity to enhance physical and mental health and overall well-being.

Honoring and Learning from Traditional Owners

We seek to establish strong partnerships with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, providing the community with opportunities to appreciate and learn about the deep cultural significance of the land.

Developing Sustainable and Educational Gardens

We will lead the creation of sustainable food, native, and sensory gardens with the following objectives:

• Promote healthier eating and nutrition, educating all ages on the benefits of local food production, sustainability, and reducing food miles to minimize environmental impact.

• Foster connections with food distribution organizations to support those in need within the community.

Revitalizing a Historic and Iconic Site

By restoring and refurbishing existing structures, we will transform this previously underutilized land into a vibrant, functional, and productive community space that accommodates future activities and events.

Celebrating Cultural Diversity in Agriculture

We aim to collaborate with cultural and migrant communities, learning from their farming traditions and integrating diverse agricultural knowledge into our project.

Engaging Diverse Community Groups

We will invite participation from a wide range of groups, including:

• Kindergarten and school groups

• Disability, aged care, and mental health organizations

Facilitating Learning and Discussion

Through guest speakers and workshops, we will create opportunities for the community to engage in thought-provoking discussions and gain knowledge across a variety of topics.

Establishing a Social Enterprise Hub

We work towards evolving our community gardening concept into a social enterprise hub that enhances community development by providing:

• Networking, skills training, and employment pathways, collaborating with TAFE institutions, industry experts, and guest speakers.

• Volunteer opportunities for youth and the unemployed, offering skill-sharing and mentorship between generations to bridge the gap and expand career prospects.

Strengthening Partnerships for Growth

We will continue to develop relationships with key organizations that provide guidance, funding, sponsorships and technical expertise, including:

• Greater Western Water – irrigation and water harvesting solutions.

• Bendigo Bank East Keilor – grant and sponsorship opportunities

• Werribee Park Heritage Orchard – expertise in orchard maintenance 

• Brimbank City Council – local government collaboration and support.

• Melbourne Airport Corporation – grant opportunities

• Essendon Fields Precinct – grant opportunities

• CERES – expertise in community food growing and gardening workshops.

• Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation – grant and funding opportunities

Through these objectives, we are committed to creating an inclusive, sustainable, and enriching community space that fosters connection, learning, and well-being for all.

Prehistoric and Aboriginal History in Keilor

http://home.vicnet.net.au/~khis/cranium.html

A History of European Farmers in Keilor

http://timetravellers.pbworks.com/w/page/134492541/Andersons-Horseshoe-Bend-Farm