IF the words “Painted Fish” or “Hulbert Street Sustainability Fiesta” ring a bell, you’ve probably already met Shani Graham and Tim Darby — or at least seen their influence around Fremantle’s greener corners.

Twelve years on from their well-known South Fremantle venture, the pair are opening the gates of their Beaconsfield property, Ecoburbia, for a public open garden on Saturday, November 15 from 10 am to 4 pm.

Set on a quarter-acre block at 16 Livingstone Street, Ecoburbia is part share house, part urban farm, part sustainable retrofit and part community hub — a patchwork that has gradually taken shape on the Beacy Ridge since they moved there in 2013.

“The development of the house and garden has been a slow process,” Ms Graham said, “but Richelle (the resident live-in gardener) and I are ready to show off what we’ve been up to.”

For locals who’ve heard the name but never visited, the open day promises a mix of hands-on fun and a peek into how sustainability looks when it’s lived, not just talked about. 

• Shani Graham with Ecoburbia’s famous goat Marmalade – she even has a book about her.

The $5 entry fee goes to the West Beacy Bunch’s community pizza oven fund, while proceeds from the garden café — run by the West Beacy Bunch — will be donated to St Pat’s.

“As well as veggie, herb, and verge gardens, Tim has created a special sand sculpture for the event — featuring Lady Marmalade and me having a cuppa,” Ms Graham said. 

“Out the back you will see the Ecoburbia goats and chickens, hear Tim playing his original songs, view some of his artwork and read a kid’s book written about one of the Ecoburbia goats – Lady Marmalade. 

“Richelle and I will be on hand to answer any questions you might have.”

The event includes a treasure hunt for kids, musical performances, and baked goods for sale, with plenty of home-grown charm and no shortage of conversation about goats, gardens and good neighbours.

Ecoburbia’s backyard has become something of a local landmark — a place where permaculture principles meet community life. When The Herald last visited the couple in 2023 for the launch of their children’s book Lady Marmalade, the property already featured “goats and chickens and a large garden from which the nine commune residents get their supply of fresh vegetables, eggs and dairy”.

The open garden gives visitors a rare chance to see how that experiment has evolved — a tangle of fruit trees, recycled materials and creative touches that speak to a decade of trial and error.

• Tim Darby, master sand sculptor and eco guru.

As Ms Graham put it in an earlier interview, “It’s about showing that living in a city doesn’t have to mean being disconnected from food sources and not knowing where food comes from.”

That sentiment runs through much of what she and Mr Darby do. Over the years they’ve launched a steady string of grassroots projects, from neighbourhood swaps and skills workshops to the West Beacy Bunch, a local network that organises street events and community projects. 

Earlier this year the group was featured in The Herald for its 10-week Neighbourhood Accelerator Program, which Ms Graham described as “a way of helping residents strengthen local connections.”

But this month’s event is less about theory and more about throwing open the gate — literally. 

Visitors can stroll through the gardens, meet the goats, or just enjoy a scone and a cuppa while local musicians play.

Mr Darby’s hand-carved sand sculpture is expected to be a highlight, alongside his original songs and artwork scattered through the property. 

The atmosphere will likely feel familiar to anyone who remembers the old Hulbert Street Sustainability Fiesta, once a fixture of Fremantle’s community calendar.

Ecoburbia keeps that same mix of creativity, humour and homespun practicality that made the fiesta so popular. It’s local sustainability without the sermon — more about shared effort than eco-elitism.

With parking limited on Livingstone Street, visitors are asked to park at Beaconsfield Primary School on Hale Street and walk up Beard Street to the garden. “It’s not far,” Ms Graham said, “and it’s a nice walk.”

Ecoburbia Open Garden
16 Livingstone St, Beaconsfield
Saturday November 15, 10am – 4pm
More info: www.ecoburbia.com.au