Rocked by the sudden collapse of a well-known local service provider, Bendigo’s disability community may soon have cause to celebrate – and be celebrated. 

The seeds of optimism have been sown by Access Australia Group, which plans to build a community market to sell fresh produce grown by its clients seven days a week. 

But the $50,000 expansion of PepperGreen Farm would not just be about fruit and vegetables, Access chief executive officer Michael Langdon said. 

Four shipping containers would be converted into studios spaces for art and crafts from painting to sculpture, pottery to jewelry making. 

The redeveloped farm would host an artist-in-residence and a suite of services including art and horticulture therapy and cooking classes. 

Mr Langdon said it could put North Bendigo on the map.

“This will be really good for the whole community,” he said.

“The tram stops just across the road at the Joss House and we’ve got the old Chinese market gardens, so our property ties in with the history and heritage of the area.

“We think visitors will want to come to our community market as well.” 

Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation’s Sue Tuitupou said the local Indigenous community had been invited to share the studio and garden space.

She said the initiative could help keep Dja Dja Wurrung culture alive – literally. 

“Aboriginal health is possibly the worst health in the world,” Ms Tuitupou said. 

“Aboriginal people live ten years less on average than non-Aboriginal people so promoting healthy eating, fruit and vegetables, is one way of keeping our culture alive and strong.” 

For people like Pat Mawson, PepperGreen Farm has already proved a lifeline. 

The 60-year-old Golden Square man was left with brain damage and physical impairments after being hit by a car at 21. 

“No one would employ me with the injuries I had,” Mr Mawson said.

“Without this place I would’ve been lost.”