Elliot Springs plants the seeds for a thriving community garden
Elliot Springs’ first community garden gets the green thumbs up from residents! Strengthening our community connections, once established the new herb and vegetable garden will offer a central location to pick and grow a salad bowl of fresh produce.
Located next to the Hub in Wadda Mooli Park, the foundations of the garden were officially laid on Friday, November 5 as part of Lendlease’s Community Day with QCWA Alligator Creek Elliot Springs branch (ACES).
Local resident and ACES Vice-President, Kate Annetts recently secured a $2,000 community grant to develop the garden.
“ACES are proud to be strong advocates for our community and are thrilled to see the community garden come to fruition,” said Kate.
“During the community day event, a group of Lendlease staff, seven ACES members, Cr Fran O’Callaghan and the community helped build four garden beds as well as planting the first seedlings.
“Once the garden is established, we will invite the local community to come down, pick some fresh herbs and vegetables for their dinner and be part of our gardening community.
”Local businesses, Bunnings Fairfield Waters and McCahills Landscaping Supplies provided in kind support, with donations of soil and seedlings. The garden beds were also donated by local manufacturers, Gough Plastics and installed by Townsville Landscape Concepts.
Lendlease Social Sustainability Manager Danielle Kollanyi said the ACES were the driving force behind the concept of a community garden, a place where residents can come together.
“The ACES members are such an active community group in Elliot Springs, championing community connection,” she said.
“The community day was a great success with residents involved in planting the first seedlings.
“We hope to see other community groups involved in the future as well, like the local playgroup participating in planting days. The grants program has also supported the installation of a native bee hive, which will complement the community garden and can be used by the playgroup to learn about the importance of pollination in growing vegetables.”
The local community are welcome to get involved in the growth of the garden, through weeding, planting or general maintenance.
The creation of the new garden is one of more than 47 national in-person and virtual volunteering opportunities selected as part of Lendlease Foundation’s annual Community Day initiative, which this year is celebrating its 26th anniversary.
A community garden, the creation of Wadda Mooli Park and the early delivery of The Hub have all helped to earn a coveted 5 Star Green Star – Communities rating for Elliot Springs, demonstrating Lendlease’s ongoing commitment to both the natural environment and our residents that live here.
Want to get involved in our new community garden, whether that be maintenance, planting or harvesting? It’s simple, contact Kate Annetts on 0423 617 694.
Benefits of growing a community garden
Did you know there are many benefits to having a community garden in our neighbourhood that go beyond having fresh produce at your fingertips?
- Community gardens provide a wonderful place to grow produce but more importantly, they provide the opportunity for people to connect. Our garden will be a natural space where neighbours can come together to plant and harvest vegetables and herbs.
- Always wanted to try your hand at gardening? Another benefit of our new community garden is the opportunity to find your green thumb and enjoy the experience of growing something from scratch.
- Did you know that being outdoors promotes a healthy lifestyle? Our community garden promotes regular exercise and is a great way to reduces stress.
- The garden won’t just be for adults. There is a great opportunity to get children involved in its ongoing maintenance, allowing them to connect to nature and get their hands dirty.
