WOODEND SCHOOL COMMUNITY GARDEN BENEFITS FROM UPGRADE

The Woodend Primary School Community Children’s Garden will be a welcoming space for local families and kids to grow fresh produce, get active and learn thanks to a new irrigation system.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas visited the garden to hear about the numerous benefits this innovative project has produced for the local school community.

In partnership with Woodend Landcare, Greater Western Water contributed $3,780 towards the installation of a new irrigation system with timer – helping to keep the children’s garden green and thriving while saving students and parents’ precious time.

The project has been delivered as part of Greater Western Water’s Thriving Communities Grants and Sponsorship Program.

Before the irrigation system was installed, students and volunteers had a roster to hand water the plants – often taking over an hour to complete.

Woodend Primary’s Community Children’s Garden irrigation system is programmed to water the garden consistently and efficiently year-round, adjusted to meet the needs of healthy plants and produce.

The garden offers a weekly outdoor learning experience for students to learn about plant sciences, gardening techniques and develop a greater appreciation of all aspects of our fragile ecosystem.

The Woodend’s community garden will help foster a sense of community for parents and local volunteers as a place to collaborate in growing and maintaining this special space.

Food grown at the school is offered for fundraising or taken home by students and volunteers, with excess produce to be donated to the Woodend Neighbourhood House food bank and community lunches.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas

“This new irrigation system will deliver so many benefits to local students and parents as the learn how to take care of plants and grow their own produce to eat at home or share with local charities.”

“This project shows how successful partnerships can promote community wellbeing by bringing likeminded people who are committed to making their region a great place to live."