23 September 2024

Cessation of the BEST Nursery and Food Garden

After much consideration the BEST Employment Board has instructed to cease operations at the BEST Nursery and Food Garden. Originally a Forestry NSW tree production facility, the site faced closure in 2009.  BEST Employment purchased the facility recognising the potential to preserve local jobs and to create a community resource, the BEST Tree Tenders Nursery, which has transformed into what we know today as the BEST Nursery and BEST Food Garden. The Nursery and Food Garden serve as a garden retail outlet, commercial production hub and social enterprise, offering native trees, shrubs for sale and fresh produce which is donated within the community.

Rising operational costs, combined with lower than expected demand for production services have significantly impacted the Nursery’s financial viability. Despite examining a range of different options to sustain the operation, changing markets have compelled the board to make the difficult decision to cease operations. BEST Board Chair, Jon Watts commented “BEST purchased the Nursery complex 15 years ago, expecting that it would be a profitable addition to the BEST portfolio and cherished community hub. Unfortunately, the closure of the local NSW Forestry offices and lack of other community partnerships has meant that BEST has operated the Nursery and Food Garden at substantial annual losses since its inception. We have kept it open due to the multiple community benefits and outcomes it provided, however recent Federal Government reform of Employment Services and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, which are BEST’s core programs, meant such subsidisation is no longer possible.”

The BEST Nursery and Food Garden have earned a reputation as a welcoming community space for many cohorts: customers, volunteers, jobseekers and disability service participants, daycare students and local school groups and the commitment to education and community engagement is far reaching. The facility has hosted numerous community events and welcomed visitors ranging from Members of Parliament, the Governor of NSW and even celebrities such as Costa Georgiadis of Gardening Australia fame.

BEST Chief Executive Officer, Anna Watt has expressed sincere appreciation to staff, volunteers and the various supporters and customers who have been involved in the facilities’ operations. Ms. Watt noted “The Nursery and Food Garden’s contribution to the Inverell community would not have been possible without the input of BEST’s loyal and passionate Nursery staff, their dedication, hard work and commitment has transformed the lives of many in our local community.

BEST’s Vision is to develop and support independent, thriving and resilient communities, and our staff’s contribution at the Nursery has done just that. In addition, the Nursery has benefitted from generous donations of time, money and resources from our network of volunteers, local partners and donors. We are incredibly grateful and give thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey over the years.”

BEST remains committed to fulfilling its purpose of providing inclusive services and support to assist and empower people and communities to realise their full potential. BEST continues to deliver Workforce Australia, Disability Employment Services, NDIS supports and Community Services programs throughout regional NSW and QLD along with the BEST Community Shed in Inverell.

The Inverell community will continue to have options available to purchase nursery products locally.  Support with food assistance, community programs, educational workshops, disability supports, skills-building and employment programs will continue to be available to residents thanks to Inverell’s network of various local community organisations.

The doors to the retail facility will remain open until current stock has been sold, BEST will continue to honour existing orders and gift vouchers until closure. 

Anna Watt

Chief Executive Officer