Civic has unveiled its state-of-the-art indoor urban farm, which will not only provide microgreens to local restaurants, but will provide inclusive employment opportunities for people with disability.  

Located at Civic’s head office in Caringbah, the indoor urban farm has been under construction since January and was officially opened at a launch event on 8th April, revealing the very first crop of micro-herbs that have been produced onsite by Civic employees.   

“Our focus has always been on providing meaningful paid employment for those who face multiple barriers to work,” said CEO, Annie Doyle, at the launch event. “And while we have seen significant evolution in our employment services over the past few years, it’s important we, together with our community, continually challenge outdated perceptions, foster new opportunities – like this new indoor farm – and create a future where everyone has the chance to contribute their skills and talents to the workforce.”  

The project, which was made possible by the Government’s Structural Adjustment Fund, will provide employment opportunities for those with disability, who will support with the operations of the social enterprise.  

Last year, Civic was successfully funded under the Structural Adjustment Fund, which is designed to support disability service providers to evolve their supported employment offering in line with the recommendations of both the Disability Royal Commission and the NDIS Review. 

 Civic’s approved project plan spans three years and focuses on the evolution of its employment offering through the extension of its Civic Crew model and the establishment of new pathways to open employment; as well as the transformation of its physical site at 101-103 Cawarra Road to provide additional, innovative employment offerings.   

“Under the fund we are working in partnership with the Centre for Social Impact to embed the Work Integration Social Enterprise – or WISE – model,” said Annie. “We are also focused on establishing pathways to mainstream employment, partnering with organisations to offer supported and sustainable employment opportunities across local businesses and organisations.” 

A key component of the project is the establishment of the state-of-the-art Indoor Urban Farm, designed to grow produce for local restaurants while providing innovative and inclusive employment opportunities.  

Deputy Mayor, Cr Laura Cowell was at the launch event to ‘cut the ribbon’ and officially open the indoor urban farm. “Civic is setting the standard for the industry. It’s an amazing achievement.” Cr Cowell said prior to cutting the ribbon alongside Civic employee, Natalie Smith.  

Also speaking at the event were Noah Verin, from Urban Green Sydney, and Lucy Macali from the Centre for Social Impact. 

 “Noah has been of critical importance to the set up of the Urban Farm,” said Annie. “He has shared his knowledge, time and his own workspace to ensure our facility has everything it needs for our crops and employees to thrive.”

Backlit by specialised lighting, more than 60 individuals entered the farm to view – and taste – the crops. Take a look at some of the photos from the event in the gallery below. 

“For too long, barriers – both seen and unseen – have limited access to sustainable, fulfilling work for many talented individuals,” says Annie. “Our hope is that, for those who looked around today, they can think about their own place of work, what barriers there may be, and how, together, we might remove them to provide even more sustainable, accessible work opportunities.” 

Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate the launch of the Indoor Urban Farm.