That spirit was crushed when thieves emptied five sheds stealing thousands of dollars of tools funded by the community.

Armed with wire cutters thieves sliced the wire of cyclone fencing, squeezing through gates to enter the garden. 

Community garden secretary Robert Burns said up to $10,000 worth of machinery and other essential tools were swiped by people “who knew what they were doing”.

The volunteer-run organisation runs many essential services and its volunteers dedicate hours of time working with vulnerable people. It relies on grants and fund-raising to operate.

Mr Burns and the several hundred people connected to the garden are gutted after the senseless attack. Mowers, mulchers, electric hand tools and marquees were taken from five separate sheds. 

“We were broken into last Thursday. (Potential) thieves were stopped by one of our members who saw them inside the garden looking at the sheds,” Mr Burns said.

Police were called and fingerprinted the area. 

On Saturday morning members woke to a different story. The sheds were emptied, locks were broken and wet weather made the area difficult to finger print.

“Up to $10,000 worth of equipment was taken. They did leave a few garden tools,” Mr Burns said.

Community garden member John Ditchburn called the garden a “community hub” that fostered relationships. The theft tore at the heart of the tight-knit community, he said.

“The tools took ages to build up and were funded by countless sausage sizzles,” Mr Ditchburn said.

“This place is a hub for the community … we run countless education programs ... and social activities. 

“(Thefts like this) are particularly hard on community groups that have spent ages trying to build themselves.” 

Ballarat detectives are investigating the theft. Police said no charges had been laid and no suspects had been identified. The theft happened between Friday night and 8am Saturday morning. Mr Burns said the items were insured but whether that insurance would cover the cost of replacement items was yet to be determined.

“We won’t let this stop us,” he said. The group will also have to factor in new costs such as secure sheds and video surveillance to prevent the thefts from recurring.

“The place was as secure as we could have made it …. but they will be back,” Mr Burns said. Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.