People in recovery from mental health issues are among residents reaping big benefits from a Hobsons Bay Community Fund grant.
The fund, which is about to call for submissions for this year, gave $27,890 in grants to nine community groups, schools and services last year.
Among the recipients was Mind Australia, which received $3000 to develop a therapeutic horticultural program at Amaroo in Williamstown.
Manager Elise Pointer said she got in touch with volunteer horticulturist Ash Dehnert and, together with the community, they developed a program called Turnip ’n’ Grow.
“The idea is that we’re supporting people in their recovery, but also there are so many other benefits of being outside – community spirit and also skills that they can use outside of here,” she said.
For clients such as Amy Nardo, who attends the weekly program, it’s more than growing plants. “I get physical stimulation, mental stimulation and social stimulation that supports my recovery,” she said.
“I also participate in the cooking program where we actually get to harvest and use what’s being grown in our Turnip ’n’ Grow program.
“I feel like a proud mum when I see them grow.”
Ash Dehnert said the program was very rewarding for him as a volunteer.
“We started off with basic propagation, seed germination, cuttings, to get some stock up before we planted them. Then we started renovating the old beds here into new vegie patches … and it’s taken off.”
Hobsons Bay Community Fund raised $20,000 at its inaugural golf day at Kooringal Golf Course, with more than 100 golfers of all abilities taking part.
Details: www.hbcommunityfund.org.au
