Garden project boosts skills and centre's gardens

A group of local jobseekers are getting their hands dirty as part of an interactive project to support the community while developing new skills. Around 12 Work on the Dole participants are undertaking a regeneration project at Bran Nue Dae aged care.

The project is a collaboration between Southern Cross Care, Kimberley Environmental Horticulture and Kimberley Employment Services. It involves revitalising the Bran Nue Dae aged care gardens and offers 26 weeks of training and work experience with the hard grafting to include planting native species including bush apples, native gardenias, bush yam and paperbarks. Participants will produce signage for each of the trees and shrubs, not only naming them, but with a particular highlight on the species that will provide bush tucker for the Germanus Kent aged care kitchen. In return, participants will learn about all aspects of nursery and landscaping operation, including reticulation design and maintenance and small-engine use, increasing their job readiness and employability. KEH chief executive Tom Harley is overseeing the project and has been involved in selecting the plants for

the garden. Mr Harley said the project was about providing opportunities for the participants but also to educate people

and encourage them to look after the land around them. Participant Stephen Roe said he had enjoyed the project so far, and had learned various new skills. He said the project was a great way to boost his chances of employment and his ultimate goal would be to follow Mr Harley’s footsteps as a mentor and educator. KES work experience co-ordinator Ray Eaton said the project was a great

opportunity. “Anything like this that can lead to employment is a benefit,” he said. “It shows them (Work on the Dole participants) there can be employment down the track.”