Around 40 customers and stakeholders came out to celebrate the opening of SGCH’s newest community garden. After two years of community consultation, the final garden is complete with a curving pathway, dozens of raised garden beds and a potted olive tree symbolising peace and friendship. 

Accessibility and inclusion are key features of the garden, with hip-height garden beds and level ground, making gardening an opportunity for everyone. 
 
“The garden exists because of our tenants’ vision, imagination and commitment to renewing the space. We made sure that everyone – regardless of language or background – was heard,” Caitlin, SGCH Community Engagement Coordinator said.  

Brenden, a First Nations Community Greening Education Officer from the Royal Botanical Garden’s Community Greening program led a mini terrarium workshop, sharing seedlings ready to plant. Our Cantonese and Mandarin speaking residents were delighted to join in, with translators by their side.  

“It’s gone great today. We had groups coming up to the table. The translators helped and everyone was learning together, watching how the next did it and starting to plant some things,” Brenden said.  

It was a great gathering all round, bringing customers together, offering a chance to connect with neighbours and learn new skills.  

“Our motto is great places, thriving people and connected communities. We hope that Gladesville’s latest community garden is a place where you can come to garden with neighbours, sit with family, share a quiet moment with a carer or to simply be on your own,” Caitlin, SGCH Community Engagement Coordinator said. 

The gardens will serve as a place to rest, relax and grow food, benefitting an estimated 330 tenants who live in adjacent and nearby apartment buildings, managed by SGCH.