The 2026 Grow It Local Awards are officially open, celebrating the diversity, creativity and passion of everyday food growers across Australia — from suburban backyards and balcony pots to community gardens and compact urban spaces.
Whether you’re an experienced grower or just starting out, these awards recognise the joy of growing food at home, no matter how big or small your patch may be. Entry is free, inclusive, and open to gardeners of all skill levels.
From perfectly ripe harvests to proudly imperfect produce, the Grow It Local Awards highlight the real stories behind local food growing.
🏆 Award Categories
There are six engaging categories to enter, each offering unique prizes:
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Why I Love My Patch Award
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Homegrown Harvest Award
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Best Chicken Name Award
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Patch to Plate Award
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Wonkiest Vegetable Award
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Local Grower Award*
* The Local Grower Award is judged at a local council level, with one winner selected from each local government area nationwide. All other categories are judged nationally.
Winners receive national recognition along with seed packs and category-specific prizes to support future growing seasons.
📸 How to Enter (Waverley LGA)
To be considered for the Local Grower Award in Waverley:
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Post a photo or video on Instagram or Facebook
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State the award category in your caption
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Tag @waverleycouncil and @growitlocal
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Include the hashtag #GrowItLocalAwards2026
Residents without social media can submit entries via email at
📧 communications@waverley.nsw.gov.au
Multiple entries are welcome, provided each submission is original and different.
🌍 Who Can Enter?
The awards are open to all Australian food gardeners growing in:
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Backyards
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Balconies and courtyards
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Community or school gardens
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Windowsills and small urban spaces
⏰ Entries close at midnight on 15 February 2026.
So get snapping, celebrate your patch, and be part of a national movement that champions local food growing — one garden at a time.
