Edendale is a Community Environment Farm and Climate Action Hub set on six hectares of land next to the Diamond Creek in Eltham.
Edendale has been a Council facility since 1970 when it was purchased by the Shire of Eltham. After a number of incarnations, including as the shire’s pound, Edendale Farm was established as a community farm in 1986. Edendale became a centre for environmental education in 2000 and in 2023 started to develop the Nillumbik Environment and Climate Action Hub (known as NECAH).
Along with our animals, indigenous plant nursery, school environmental education program, events and workshops, Edendale now plays an important role as a hub for the local community to learn and share ideas about sustainable living, caring for nature and climate action.
Our mission
To provide an interactive community and education centre to support sustainable living practices for the whole community.
Our vision
Edendale is enhancing awareness of environmental sustainability through learning, and is a place for:
- lifelong learning about environmental issues, including demonstration of local solutions to global environmental challenges
- drawing people from Nillumbik and beyond
- celebrating the richness of the Nillumbik environment and culture
- vibrant and inspiring community activity.
Our engagement model
Our engagement model of Connecting, Learning, Leading helps us focus our services, resources and communications to support our community and deliver on Council’s plans and objectives:
- connecting with nature, community, culture and place
- lifelong environmental learning
- leading by example
Next: Our history
Edendale was originally part of a 51-acre site, first purchased from the Crown in 1852 by pioneer Henry Stooke.
Stooke was a prominent citizen in the Eltham district. He was actively involved in the development of infrastructure and recreational services in the Eltham area.
The subsequent owner was Thomas Cool, manager of the Victorian Coffee Palace, which adjoined the Town Hall in Collins Street, Melbourne. Cool purchased the site in 1896 and built the homestead in the same year.
This weatherboard homestead was unusual for its ornate finishes and decoration compared with other farmhouses of the district. See the photo gallery below.
History of property ownership from 1922:
1922 - Thomas Cool sold the property to John William Cox
1933 - John William Cox sold the property to the Gaston Family
1968 - Elizabeth Gaston sold the property to Douglas Mummery
1970 - Douglas Mummery sold the property to the Shire of Eltham.
The Shire of Eltham purchased the property in 1970, establishing an animal pound and small nursery. Council came to realise the potential of the site in the early 1980s when the decision was made to relocate the animal pound.
During the late 1980s, a number of changes were made to the site to establish the area as a community farm for local residents.
Since 2000, the direction of the site has been transformed into a community environmental education centre featuring an Indigenous Plant Nursery and a vibrant Schools Environmental Education program.
The heritage homestead has been beautifully restored using funding from Heritage Victoria, the Federal Government and Council.
Recent developments have seen work in the gardens and grounds to increase accessibility for the community, additional shelters, lush lawn areas and an amphitheatre for public use, festivals and events
Improvements on the animal zone on the eastern side of the property, with a purpose-built goat house and milking area, a hay and storage shed, and new paddock areas and fencing have improved animal viewing areas for visitors and provided better access for school groups and farm tour activities.
Edendale Homestead History Brochure(PDF, 1MB)
History of Nillumbik
For more information about the history of Nillumbik and its many historical sites and buildings, view Nillumbik Shire Council's Heritage Guide and find out more about the history of the shire (nillumbik.vic.gov.au).
Next: Our funding
Edendale Community Environment Farm is a much-loved community facility in Eltham, proudly owned and operated by Nillumbik Shire Council.
The farm plays a vital role in educating the public on sustainable living, environmental care, and climate action. To support these initiatives, Edendale relies on multiple funding sources that ensure it continues to offer a wide range of services and experiences to the community.
The farm’s core funding is derived from the rates paid by Nillumbik Shire residents, which support the overall operation and maintenance of the farm. In addition to ratepayer contributions, Edendale receives funding through various project grants that help to drive specific programs and improvements.
Edendale also generates income through a diverse range of services and offerings. Donations from the public play an important role in helping to fund Edendale’s programs and maintenance. These contributions go directly towards supporting the farm’s animals and mission of creating a sustainable future for the community and the environment.
Volunteering is another crucial element of Edendale's financial model. Over 100 dedicated volunteers contribute their time and energy, helping with everything from caring for the animals, propagating indigenous plants for the nursery, to maintaining the grounds and gardens. Volunteers also interact with visitors, enhancing the overall experience at Edendale. In exchange, volunteers gain valuable skills and knowledge, build confidence, and create new social networks, while giving back to the community.
By combining council funding, public donations, volunteer support, and income from its services, Edendale continues to thrive as a community hub, committed to education, sustainability, and environmental action.