On a typically overcast Melbourne day in August, local residents, business staff, and council teams gathered at St ALi Coffee Roasters in Port Melbourne to assemble a new urban worm farming development. The currently-desolate industrial area is a mix of silo and tank farms, abandoned vehicle factories, weapons research facilities, and luxury car sales yards. Multiple councils, state government, and property developers are collaborating to present the area as an upcoming model of sustainable urban development.

The Friday morning’s initiative was being led by Worms at Work, a collaboration dedicated to promoting sustainable food waste practices and fostering community participation. The group was awarded funding through the 2024 Fishermans Bend Digital Innovation Challenge. The flat-pack combination worm farm and raised bed is one of three prototypes to be installed around Fishermans Bend, designed to efficiently process organic waste and convert it into nutrient-rich fertiliser onsite. The system also provides practical street furniture and planting spaces, creating a more pleasant and liveable environment.

The day’s activities began with a brief introduction by Michael Mobbs of Chippendale’s Sustainable House, who highlighted the benefits of composting and the importance of community involvement in environmental initiatives. “This worm bench is about more than just ending food waste,” Michael explained. “It’s a symbol of our commitment to caring for this precious Earth.”

The community turned out in force, with residents from nearby apartment buildings volunteering to participate. St ALi Coffee Roasters played a crucial role in the day’s success, providing not just a location but also a steady supply of coffee and snacks to keep everyone’s energy levels up.

The bench design uses a series of interconnected WaterUps wicking cells to provide irrigation to the plantings and was designed locally in Victoria by Mr Fox in Box using recycled or recyclable materials. The design is based on the Coolseats product developed in Chippendale. The worms, which play the critical role in the composting process, were supplied by Kensington Compost Hubs and introduced to their new home with great fanfare (and very gentle handling). The design allows for easy access and maintenance, making it a practical solution for community members to manage on a daily basis.

Data sensors provided by the City of Melbourne will monitor conditions in and around the soil, track how much use the furniture gets, and build data to assess the viability of expanding the program as development of the area continues.

The worm benches are expected to process a significant amount of organic waste, reducing our environmental footprint and providing a valuable resource for local gardens. The project also serves as an educational tool, introducing residents to the benefits of composting and sustainable waste management.

The event wrapped up with a sense of accomplishment for everyone involved. The worm farm stands as a testament to the power of community and the potential for positive change, even in the most degraded landscapes. As the community continues to engage in such initiatives, the future of our urban spaces begins to look greener and more alive.

The next Worms at Work worm bench build is scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025. The build starts at 9am (to be finished by 10:30am) at Yarra’s Edge colonnade, about 50 meters downriver from 18 Pence Lane Café: https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/emerging-tech-testbed/worms-at-work-pilot/yarras-edge-bench-installation-coming-soon

You can be part of the installation on the day by bringing along up to 2 liters of food scraps (fruit pulp, citrus, veggie peels) and/or the same amount of carbon material (cardboard, toilet rolls, shredded paper).

If you can’t make it to the site but still want to follow the Worms at Work journey, sign up on the Participate Melbourne project page. Click +Follow to stay updated on the Worms at Work pilot, upcoming events, and how to get involved.