A sunny Tuesday morning was ideal for the opening of ‘Our Murray Street Garden’ in Kerang, an initiative of Northern District Community Health.
The garden is located at the street’s community housing residences, and was named by those living there.
Community members who contributed to the project were present at the official opening and were thanked by the project leader, Anna Beamish of NDCH.
The residents are already enjoying their new garden.
During the project, which started in March, predominantly native plants were added, along with outdoor furniture and lighting, and generous splashes of colour in the form of decorated wooden poles.
The poles were part structure of a shearing shed structure near Boort and were shifted to their current location by members of the Kerang Men’s Shed.
They were decorated by youngsters from the Gannawarra Children’s Centre and students from Kerang Technical High School.
Considerable thought went into some of the designs painted on the poles.
At the opening of the garden, Kerang Technical High School students said they enjoyed the process.
Kaiden Clapham took a liberal approach to his design.
“I liked how the paint came down and joined together,” he said, of the intermingling of colour.
Linda Coote and Anne Hall of the Loddon Murray Group of the Australian Plant Society also attended the opening.
The group was responsible for providing native plants and much of the planting.
More than 200 new plants went into the Murray Street garden, including trees intended to provide shade in the future, and plants along the length of the previously barren front fence line.
Ms Hall explained how the local branch of the Australian Plant Society got involved with the community garden.
“Anna Beamish was looking for help with the planting and we were very happy to be a part of this project,” Ms Hall said.
Daryl Neil Handyman and Labouring Service provided much of the expert labour, which included digging holes and concreting.
“Approximately half of Daryl’s time was volunteered and he generously included residents wherever possible,” Ms Beamish said.
NDCH was responsible for establishing the project, successfully applying for a grant through the Gannawarra Shire Council.
Council CEO Tom O’Reilly and mayor Lorraine Learmonth attended the opening.
The project was supported by the Department of Health and Human Services and the owners of the site, who provided additional funding to raise the height of the fencing.
Resident, Ileen Turvey, played a central role in the opening of ‘Our Murray Street Garden’.
“I’d like to thank the volunteers,” she said, also expressing gratitude on behalf of residents to the Gannawarra Shire Council for the funding provided for the project through its Community Grants Program.
She explained the positive impact the new garden was having for individuals who live there and how it was already boosting their social interaction.
A new communal table made by Kerang Men’s Shed, featuring a timber top on a metal base has encouraged residents to gather outside on hot nights, mingle, and eat together.
“It is important for the people who live here to feel safe and to enjoy our environment,” Ms Turvey said.
As well as the boost provided by the appearance of the new plants and colourful poles, the installation of lighting and other work has added to the safety of the area.
“It is also important for residents to feel a sense of belonging,” Ms Turvey said, alluding to the friendly vibe of the new surroundings.
Ms Beamish said the garden had improved the aesthetics of the area.
“The garden will grow over time,” Ms Beamish said.
“Before we started it was fairly brown. There was little street appeal, little greenery and no shade for the warmer months.”
While the much-loved garden has been a hit, there’s still one more touch to be added.
“We’re going to finish off with a wall mural and will enlist a local artist to assist and ensure the design is in keeping with the new environment,” Ms Beamish said.
