Denmark Kwoorabup Community Garden Launches Pilot Compost Hub

Last November, the Denmark Kwoorabup Community Garden, in partnership with Green Skills Inc, launched its pilot community compost hub.

Located in the beautiful surrounds of the Denmark Kwoorabup Community Garden in WA, this composting hub will contribute to soil regeneration and waste reduction. It’s about building resilient communities, reconnecting with natural cycles and creating shared spaces where knowledge, food and friendships grow.

The pilot compost hub was made possible with support from Green Skills Inc, the Denmark Community Resource Centre, and the WA Department of Communities’ Thank a Volunteer Day Grant Program. The initiative will receive further support in 2025 through a Waste Sorted grant from the WA Government’s Waste Authority, ensuring its continued impact in the region.

Sustainable Workshop Series

The composting celebrations continued in the new year with the launch of the 2025 Sustainable Workshops at Ficifolia Community Garden. Supported by the Department of Communities Grant, this first workshop was led by compost and soil expert Kim Frankowiak of Great Southern Living Soils (also a LOCCAL Committee Member), and was a hands-on deep dive into soil health, composting and worm farming.

Participants learned everything from the difference between dirt and living soil to the five key rules of composting and worm farming. Kim shared the science behind hot composting demonstrating how to turn kitchen and garden waste into high-quality compost in just three weeks using a simple drum system that heats up to 50–65°C. This heat not only breaks down waste efficiently but also eliminates weed seeds and pests, resulting in rich, usable compost in no time.

Attendees also explored vermiculture by harvesting vermicast and setting up their own worm farms, all while gaining a deeper appreciation for the essential role of microbes in healthy ecosystems. It was a lively, informative session full of practical tips, shared stories, and infectious passion for soil.

As Nicole Munro from FCG beautifully said:

“Honestly, for some hardcore gardeners there’s not much more exciting than making your very own soil from food scraps, hay, manure, cardboard, greens etc. There’s also nothing too scientific about it—just throw it in, plant something, and keep learning by doing. That’s where the magic happens.”

We couldn’t agree more!

Following the success of these events, a new series of hands-on compost and soil workshops will be held in Denmark, Western Australia, throughout 2025. These workshops will be led by Great Southern Living Soils and are proudly supported by the Shire of Denmark.

Participants will gain practical skills in composting, worm farming, soil biology, and garden management — perfect for anyone wanting to reduce waste, improve their soil, and grow healthy, resilient gardens.

Location: Denmark, WA
Presented by: Kim Frankowiak, Great Southern Living Soils
Supported by: Shire of Denmark
Topics include: Hot composting, vermiculture, soil health, microbes, and garden ecosystems
Details: Check the garden’s Facebook page or on LOCCAL’s What’s On guide!