NADSCARE

Some people do their best with their hands in the soil, a clear routine, open sky overhead and something real to show for their effort; rather than a group room or centre-based program. Nadscare GROW is a new inclusive horticulture project now taking root at Blatherskite Park in Alice Springs, proudly supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).

GROW is being built to offer meaningful work, practical skills and a genuine sense of belonging. There are two spaces:

  • The Show Garden is a welcoming community space with bush foods, native and culturally significant plantings, sensory gardens, accessible pathways and places to gather
  • The Main Garden is the productive heart of the project, where participants can get involved in growing, propagating, irrigating, harvesting, packing and more

Mentoring the project are two well-known local identities:

  • Geoff Miers, respected Central Australian horticulturist and ABC gardening expert
  • Moe McCosker, a pioneer of commercial growing and fresh-produce wholesaling in Alice Springs

Be part of it from the ground up. The gardens are still taking shape, and we'd love to hear from participants, families, Coordinators of Support, allied health professionals and community members. Register your interest today to help shape GROW and to be among the first to get involved.

Why this will succeed (and outlast the grant)

• Real‑world arid know‑how: mentors with decades of success growing and supplying in Central Australia.
• Proven route to market: wholesale channel secured; interest from local restaurants and retailers.
• Resilient operations: climate‑fit crops (chillies + popular veg), new irrigation, wheelchair‑accessible beds.
• People pipeline: 12 supported trainee roles with on‑the‑job learning into ongoing employment.
• Sustainable revenue: fresh produce sales now; value‑add (drying/sauces) from Year 2.

Project at a glance

Footprint: 1,500 m² fenced beds on a 2‑ha site.

Jobs: 14 Full & Part‑time roles — Garden Manager, Assistant Manager, 12 supported workers (1 day/week).


Infrastructure: 5‑day irrigation install (Think Water), raised accessible beds, tools/shed, cool‑chain access.

Products: Chillies as lead crop + popular veg, Bush Food Indigenous herbs; staged value‑add from Year 2.

Distribution: Via Central Fruit & Vegetable Wholesalers; remote deliveries possible.

Community: Culturally safe mentoring and training on Country.

Geoff Miers - Arid-zone growing & training

Moe McCosker - Horticulture & distribution

Contacts: • Nadscare Alice Springs Garden Operations Manager – Catherine Lahne 0467 335 527 – cath@nadscare.com
Mentors • Moe McCosker | Geoff Miers | Address • 56 Greatorex Road, Ilparpa, NT

Join our team

Do you have the passion and determination to make a
difference in the lives of people with complex needs?

Join our team

Do you have the passion and determination to make a
difference in the lives of people with complex needs?

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Expression of Interest