Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll joined Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant today to visit Bellarine Secondary College to see how the Farm My School project is teaching kids how to grow their own food, learn new skills and connect to the broader community.

Knowing just how important community-based food security organisations are, the 2026/27 State Budget has provided $106,000 to Farm My School to continue to their vital work investing in Bellarine students and their future.

Farm My School is a food education program that transforms underutilised land within schools and turns it into regenerative market gardens that not only feed communities but educates and connects them along the way.

The Farm My School program located at the Drysdale Campus of Bellarine Secondary College has turned a disused soccer pitch into a working farm to not only give students a hands-on learning experience leading into pathways for a career in agriculture, horticulture and science, but also creating a space for health and wellbeing, boosting students’ confidence, resilience and self-esteem.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant:

“The Farm My School project is an investment in our students and our future. This funding will help young people at Bellarine Secondary College gain vital skills, all while nourishing and connecting our community.”

Quotes attributable to Farm My School CEO & Co-founder, James McLennan:

“This funding will help Farm My School to continue to bring meaningful change to the Bellarine, and support our mission to help young people grow real food, develop real skills, and build real connections. Farm My School is not only a source for fresh produce, but a catalyst for community health, student engagement and environmental stewardship.”