The Riverina region is home to a large number of current and former Australian Defence Force personnel and first responders. It is well-documented that these groups face significant mental health challenges. A survey by the Pro Patria Centre (PPC) revealed alarming statistics: nearly half of respondents were medically discharged; over 40% had been hospitalised for service-related injuries; and 60% had experienced suicidal thoughts in the past two years.

Established in 2021, PPC set out to create a multidisciplinary support hub focused on the mental, emotional and physical health of veterans, first responders and their families at Wagga Wagga’s neglected Carmelite Monastery site.

With a $17,160 In a Good Place grant funded by CCI Giving, the “Kitchen Garden to Plate” initiative set out to restore and expand the two-acre garden, creating a welcoming environment where veterans, first responders and their families could engage in therapeutic gardening. Overgrown areas were cleared, fresh produce was planted, and gardening zones were introduced to accommodate accessibility needs. Raised garden beds, a Zen Garden for reflection and a propagation tunnel for sustainable planting are now all integral parts of the space.

Beyond gardening, participants took part in hands-on workshops that brought the experience full circle. Garden-to-Plate cooking classes empowered them to turn their homegrown produce into nutritious meals, reinforcing the connection between food, health and wellbeing. As the project developed, additional activities such as sustainability workshops and community engagement initiatives enriched the experience further.

The program is supporting more than 500 people with fresh food and it continues to foster awareness of mental health challenges in the wider community. For participants who have given so much in service to others, the therapeutic outlets are reducing stress, encouraging healthier lifestyles and cultivating a renewed sense of purpose.  

As with any project, there were challenges along the way. Coordinating schedules to ensure participation was difficult, as was securing additional funding to accommodate the expanded scope. The disruptions caused by COVID also required adaptability and resilience. Reflecting on these experiences, the team has identified key learnings, such as the value of early needs assessments and the importance of flexibility to accommodate participants’ varying commitments.

Volunteer horticulturalists are providing labour and expertise pro bono to support the development of the garden and its impact. The initiative is more than just a garden, it has become a foundation for healing and resilience and as it continues to grow, it will ensure that even more veterans and first responders can benefit in the years ahead.

You can watch the project in action on ABC News.

West Coast Connect (WCC) was established in 2013 to support social and economic development around Queenstown and the west coast of Tasmania. With a staff of four, a committee of five, and 25 volunteers, WCC aims to provide supportive core services that encourage a shared, communal impact to socio-economic issues within the community and the region.

Growing training opportunities

With the West Coast of Tasmania losing their TAFE Tasmania Campus over 10 years ago, community members only had access to training organisations that are located a minimum of 200km away.

To address skill shortages and provide job opportunities, WCC decided to offer vocational training in horticulture, conservation, land management and landscaping. They devised a plan for a new training facility to offer short courses and vocational training in conjunction with TasTAFE – BUT first they needed to equip the training grounds with essential infrastructure.

On the ground training aims to raise local employment

WCC secured a Strengthening Rural Communities grant of $9,200 to purchase a greenhouse, garden beds and planter boxes that were accessble by people with mobility issues. This equipment was manufactured by Qnique Products, a Social Enterprise that engages in vocational carpentry and joinery training for unemployed residents and residents with disabilities.

The horticultural facilities serve as a practical learning area, both as a hands-on training ground for vocational training in horticulture, landscaping and conservation and land management, and for the wider community, as an area for exploring and learning about growing organic foods, growing herbs, establishing and maintaining a cottage garden or growing fruit trees in a harsh climate.

Having the greenhouse also meant WCC could commence the Training and Work Pathway Program – for long-term unemployed jobseekers. Participants were involved in the initial establishment of the center, from building the access path to putting in place the raised garden beds and building in ground ones.

“Community interest in the centre was great from the beginning. Community short courses run at the centre were very popular and received great feedback. Enquiries about further courses are constant.”

Unexpected value for the community at large

Additionally, the Centre proved to be of great value to the community after the Queenstown community garden was forced to close in August 2020. WCC now sees a need to further develop the centre for greater access to the community at large and wants to establish mini-greenhouses and garden beds for local residents with an interest in gardening but no opportunity to do so at their home.

“West Coast Connect wishes to express our thanks for the grant money. Without this funding, the establishment of the horticultural training and discovery centre would not have gone ahead due to financial restraints.”