Wollongong’s much-loved urban farm, Green Connect, is entering a new era. After years under the umbrella of Community Resources, the award-winning urban farm is now an independent entity — a move that reflects its deep commitment to local, community-led change. While others scale up, Green Connect is digging deeper, offering meaningful employment pathways, organic produce, and farm-based education right here in the Illawarra.
We spoke with CEO Robert Servine about what this shift means for the future of the farm, and how the Wollongong community can continue to support this unique model of sustainable farming and social enterprise.
What led to the decision for Green Connect Farm to become an independent entity, and how will this change benefit the farm and the community?
Community Resources recently developed a new strategy focused on scaling businesses that could generate large numbers of employment opportunities. Green Connect Farm operates differently — we’re not easily scalable, and our impact is more focused and personal. While CR chose to go wide, GCF chose to go deep. Our priority is on empowering individuals through wraparound support and meaningful training, not just placing people in jobs. Becoming independent allows us to stay true to this mission and set our own strategic direction. It means we can focus entirely on what we do best — growing fair food and growing people — and that’s a big win for the community.
With this new direction, what opportunities are there for individuals, businesses, or organisations to support Green Connect?
We’re excited to focus on expanding both our employment pathway and community education efforts. Individuals can support us by volunteering, donating, subscribing to a veg box, or attending our farm-based activities like Play and Picnic Days or Farm Kindy. Businesses can book corporate volunteering days, sponsor our programs, or contribute through partnership opportunities. For schools and community organisations, we offer engaging farm tours, curriculum-linked excursions, and space hire for programs. The farm is also a therapeutic space used by some health providers. There’s a place for everyone to get involved.
What makes Green Connect’s approach to growing food unique?
We grow using organic principles and harvest fresh, seasonal produce right here on our urban farm. What truly sets us apart is the freshness — our produce is harvested Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, packed and delivered the same day. Some of the vegetables in our veg boxes were in the ground just hours before reaching your door. You can’t get much fresher unless you’re growing it yourself!
We grow using organic principles and harvest fresh, seasonal produce right here on our urban farm. What truly sets us apart is the freshness — our produce is harvested Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, packed and delivered the same day. Some of the vegetables in our veg boxes were in the ground just hours before reaching your door. You can’t get much fresher unless you’re growing it yourself!
What role does the community play in ensuring the farm’s ongoing success – how can people get involved?
Community farms rely on community support — and we’re no exception. We need people to buy our veg boxes, volunteer their time, attend our events, and spread the word. This support enables us to continue delivering life-changing employment pathways for young people and former refugees. Every action helps us grow a fairer, more connected future.
Community farms rely on community support — and we’re no exception. We need people to buy our veg boxes, volunteer their time, attend our events, and spread the word. This support enables us to continue delivering life-changing employment pathways for young people and former refugees. Every action helps us grow a fairer, more connected future.
What excites you most about this next chapter for Green Connect?
Green Connect Farm has so much untapped potential. We’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible, both on the farm and through our programs. I’m excited to expand our impact, strengthen our community, and bring the full potential of the farm to life.
Green Connect Farm has so much untapped potential. We’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible, both on the farm and through our programs. I’m excited to expand our impact, strengthen our community, and bring the full potential of the farm to life.
Find out more about Green Connect here.
