Community housing garden revamp ‘beyond expectations’

One of the outdoor seating areas in the new garden. Image: Supplied

BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE

A garden refurbishment at a Salvation Army community housing program in Melbourne has recently been completed, in collaboration with Bunnings Warehouse, the local council and a school group.

The garden upgrade, managed by TSA Housing Worker Duan Qiong, was completed in stages, with the first involving the upgrading of outdoor furniture and garden beds, as well as some new plants.

The final stage involved weeding, adding mulch, fixing items around the house and adding multiple seating areas and lounge chairs outside.

The program operates out of a privately-owned home, catering for those over the age of 55 who might otherwise find themselves homeless.

The final stage of the project was completed in collaboration with the Homelessness East Metro Homeless Outreach Program, alongside Bunnings, who provided tools, assistance from staff, donations of plants from the store, technical knowledge and advice.

The Bunnings team also mobilised a team of 20 teenagers from Blackburn High School to assist with the work. Mulch and ground covering materials were donated by Whitehorse City Council.

The Salvation Army also provided assistance from staff and volunteers throughout the stages of the process and catered for the volunteers on site.

Duan said the outcome of the project was beyond her expectations, and in her eyes, it was an “11 out of 10”. She said the property owner was also happy with the outcome.

She said a former resident who had been involved in the project had contacted her and thanked her for the time that she had gotten to spend in the house, which she said is feedback they don’t get very often.

“It means [residents feel] a sense of belonging, and creates a community area for everybody to hang out and get to know each other,” Duan said. “And it’s a healthy and safe space.”

All images courtesy Duan Qiong.