Tasmania’s largest playgroup will shut its doors today, with Bucaan Community House forced to close its Chigwell Community Garden programs due to a lack of funding.
The garden supports more than 100 people each week through free activities, including gardening workdays, playgroup sessions for around 80 families, school excursions and food distribution.
CEO Mary-Anne Evans said an internal review confirmed the programs couldn’t continue without secure funding and staff.
“These activities are at the heart of our community,” she said.
“They provide early years support, social connection and food resilience initiatives. Without secure funding we cannot continue to deliver them.”
Independent MLC Bec Thomas said the closure highlights the urgent need for greater government support for neighbourhood houses across Tasmania.
“The temporary closure of the Chigwell Community Garden and Playgroup is absolutely devastating for so many members of our community who benefit from the access to fresh food, new skills and social connections it provides,” she said.
“I fear the closure will be permanent if more funding cannot be secured.”
The organisation needs $177,545 a year to keep the programs running – covering two part-time staff, materials, maintenance and community events.
Bucaan Community House has been operating at a loss, with staff stretched thin to maintain essential services.
A previous Healthy Tasmania grant ended two years ago, leaving the organisation to fund the garden from its own budget.
Spanning about 1,000 square metres, the garden features 50 beds and produces around a tonne of vegetables each year.
Thomas said neighbourhood houses have been doing more with less for too long.
“The 35 Neighbourhood Houses around Tasmania are among the most valuable community assets we have and their dedicated staff and volunteers have been running on the smell of an oily rag for far too long,” she said.
Despite a statewide campaign during the 2025 state election calling for long-term funding, Evans said no extra resources have been committed.
In September, Independent MP David O’Byrne moved a motion in the House of Assembly calling for funding that reflects services provided, simpler grant processes and longer-term certainty.
All MPs supported it unanimously – but Evans said core funding still hasn’t kept pace with community need.
“We will continue to advocate for increased staffing and reliable funding,” she said.
“These programs can be restored and strengthened for the future with the right support.”
For now, a contractor will maintain the garden for informal community use while programs are on pause.
Bucaan Community House hopes to reopen next year and is looking to the state government’s interim budget in November for support.
