The Lake Cathie Community Garden was officially launched on 13 November, with Birpai elder Uncle Bill O’Brien, Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Mayor Peta Pinson cutting a ribbon to mark the opening.
The garden is nestled in a tranquil setting next to the Lake Cathie Community Hub on Mullaway Road, Lake Cathie. Healthy North Coast funded the Healthy Towns initiative through its North Coast PHN program, collaborating with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to use the council grounds and community hall facilities.
Hastings Neighbourhood Centre coordinator Brendan Woollam said there are many benefits to establishing the garden, including producing fresh fruit and vegetables, and creating a place for the community to connect and improve their physical health and mental wellbeing.
Mr Woollam said the garden will provide a space for community members to share knowledge and work together.
Once established, he envisages raised garden beds, a communal area for workshops and school groups, native bees, composting and worm farming, a bush tucker garden, sensory garden and disability access throughout.
A Lake Cathie Gardening Club has been created with 12 volunteer members to design and begin work in the newly fenced area. Their first priorities will be building raised garden beds and making disability accessible pathways and seating. New members are always welcome, the club meets weekly on Tuesdays from 9:30am to 11am.
Hastings Neighbourhood Services was also successful in securing support through the Healthy Towns initiative, receiving funding for the coordinator role at the Lake Cathie Community Hub. The coordinator role has been pivotal in activating the hub, which now provides a range of programs and services to local residents to promote health and wellbeing. It also offers a number of opportunities for local residents to volunteer.
Activities at the Lake Cathie Community Hub and Garden include Zumba, tai chi, craft groups, a play group for pre-schoolers including a fortnightly visit from the Port Macquarie library bus, social gardening for over 60s, a stretch and move class, and a homework hub open to children and parents.
For more information about the hub and its programs and services, click here.
Pictured: Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson cuts the ribbon to mark the official opening of the Lake Cathie community garden.