Expressions of Interest (EOI) - Charlton Street Community Garden

EOI Brief

Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from community organisations/groups to establish, care for and operate a community garden at 9-11 Charlton Street, Cessnock. This EOI process will identify interested organisations.

Following an evaluation process, the successful organisation/group will enter into a licence agreement with Council to facilitate the operation of the site.

EOI closing date

5pm, Friday 10 May 2024

EOI contact and site inspection

All enquiries in relation to the proposed operation of the community garden should be directed to Council’s Open Space & Community Facilities Team. Organisations/groups seeking to inspect the site should contact the following Council Officer to arrange a suitable day and time:

Jo Dennis
Recreation Planning Coordinator
Phone: 4993 4227
Email: recreation@cessnock.nsw.gov.au

Purpose

The purpose of the Charlton Street community garden is to provide an open space for community members where they can participate in recreational gardening, share knowledge, and develop social connections with other community members.

Site details

The Charlton Street Community Garden is located at 9-11 Charlton Street, Cessnock. The community garden was first established by community members; however, the site has laid dormant for a number of years and will require some work to bring it up to an operational standard.

The site contains a number of established deciduous fruit trees, raised garden beds, water and fencing.

Images of site

Licence

The successful organisation will be required to enter into a licence agreement with Council as the site operator. To enter into a lease/licence, a further application will need to be completed with organisation details, a business plan and proposed contributions. Fees payable by the successful applicant will include the preparation of a Council Property Licence and annual licence fees in accordance with Council’s adopted Fees & Charges.

Information to be addressed in the EOI

Applicants are required to submit an EOI using this Expression of Interest Form which will provide Council with organisation details, capacity and information on how the site will be operated.

Evaluation criteria

EOI applications will be evaluated on the following assessment criteria:

1. Community Garden vision.
2. Relevant skills and experience for example gardening, community engagement and volunteer coordination skills.
3. Organisation Capacity for example resources, financial sustainability, governance.
4. Proposed Management Model for example how the organisation plans to operate the community garden (establishment of a committee, membership model, etc).

All applicants will be required to:

• Submit an EOI before the closing date.
• Supply all required information on the Expression of Interest Form. 

• Hold or be willing to hold Public Liability Insurance (minimum $20 million).

Lodgement

Expressions of Interest responses must be received by 5pm on Friday 10 May 2024

Responses will be accepted by the following methods:

Or, a copy of the EOI application provided via:

Email: recreation@cessnock.nsw.gov.au
Post: PO Box 152, Cessnock NSW 2325
In person: 62-78 Vincent Street, Cessnock NSW 2325