Gardening with Friends

HUMAN services minister Cassy O'Connor visited New Norfolk last week to re-announce a $400,000 project aimed at community development through a community garden project at Willow Court. Ms O’Connor said the "From dirt to plate to job" program would be funded through a Community Support Levy grant. “Funding from the Community Support Levy is drawn from gaming machine profits in hotels and clubs, and supporting these programs is one way we can help to provide healthy alternatives to gambling,” she said.

A grant of $427,650 for the Derwent Valley Community House would help get the community involved in producing food at the historic Frescati Garden in partnership with the Friends of Frescati. “This is a great way to encourage healthy eating, support skills development and get locals involved in growing food and maintaining the garden's landscape,” Ms O'Connor said. “The program will provide exciting opportunities for training and development in a wide range of courses including food safety, hospitality, horticulture and cooking and nutrition programs.”

Ms O’Connor commended members of the Derwent Valley Community House for their passion and commitment to supporting their communities. “Often it’s the Community and Neighbourhood Houses that are best placed to deliver these programs, because they know the region, they know the issues and they know what can work and I wish them all the best with these exciting projects.”