Discover Erin Earth: A Beacon of Sustainability in Wagga Wagga
Nestled within half a hectare of native gardens at 1 Kildare Street in Turvey Park, Wagga Wagga, Erin Earth is a local community organisation making waves in the world of environmental sustainability. This registered not-for-profit charity, which sits on Wiradjuri land, is a hub of biodiversity and a shining example of what can be achieved with a commitment to caring for our planet.
What started 25 years ago as two asphalt tennis courts and a dumping ground has blossomed into a thriving green space, thanks to the dedication of Erin Earth’s founders, the Presentation Sisters, and the continued efforts of local volunteers and staff. Today, Erin Earth is independently managed by a Board of Directors from within the Wagga Wagga community, and it remains a vital resource for education and inspiration.
At ErinEarth, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of life. The site is home to an energy-efficient office building with features like passive heating and cooling, solar hot water, and power generation. Their commitment to sustainable water use is evident in their innovative solar pump and drip irrigation system, which draws water from an on-site dam.
The garden itself is a showcase of environmentally friendly practices. With an emphasis on native plants, heavy mulching, and on-site waste management through composting, Erin Earth provides a model for what can be achieved in gardens across the region. Their minimal use of pesticides and herbicides, along with natural fertilisers like compost and manure, demonstrates their commitment to fostering a healthy ecosystem. Visitors will also find a vegetable garden, small orchard, and chook run, with plenty of space for kids to explore and play.
But Erin Earth is more than just a beautiful garden—it’s a community resource. They run a volunteer garden maintenance program every Thursday during the school term, providing a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds to come together and contribute. Their garden is open to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, offerin g a peaceful retreat for visitors to enjoy nature or simply reflect.
Erin Earth also plays an active role in environmental education. They support a local environmental education network, working with early childhood centres, schools, and community educators to promote sustainability. Their staff provide valuable resources and facilitate visits to the Erin Earth garden, making a lasting impact on the next generation.
In addition to their educational efforts, Erin Earth regularly engages with the wider community through information sessions and Family Fun Days, offering hands-on demonstrations of sustainable living practices. Their online presence on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram helps them reach even more people, spreading awareness about the importance of caring for our environment.
This spring, Erin Earth will be hosting their Spring Festival on 14th September from 9 am to 2 pm. The festival’s theme, “Water for Life,” will highlight the unveiling of their new biofiltration basin—an innovative project designed to manage water sustainably. The event will feature live music, engaging talks, local food and drink vendors, and activities for kids. It’s a free event, and everyone is welcome to attend. For more details, check out the Erin Earth Spring Festival event page.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Erin Earth is well worth a visit. It’s a place where the connections between people, land, water, sky, plants, and animals are honoured and nurtured—a true gem in the heart of Wagga Wagga.
