COMMUNITY GARDEN BLOSSOMS WITH SUPPORT FROM NSW GOVERNMENT

The Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre has been successful in securing funding under the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program to install an automatic irrigation system at the Evans Head Community Garden, Clarence Nationals MP, Richie Williamson has announced.

Mr Williamson recently visited the vibrant community space, meeting with the dedicated volunteers who maintain the garden.

“It’s a terrific community space bursting at the seams with tender loving care — and it even includes a fairy garden!” Mr Williamson said.

“This funding will help make the garden more sustainable and accessible, supporting the wonderful volunteers who keep it thriving and ensuring it continues to bring people together.”

The project will deliver a water-efficient automatic irrigation system responsive to seasonal rainfall, reducing water consumption and easing the physical workload for volunteers — many of whom are older community members. The upgrades will also help improve safety by removing the need to manually drag heavy hoses around the site.

Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre General Manager, Rachel McNaught, said the improvements will enhance sustainability and inclusivity.

“The new irrigation system and greenhouse will make the community garden more sustainable and accessible for everyone,” Ms McNaught said.

“It will reduce water use, ease the workload for volunteers, and create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in growing and sharing fresh produce.”

Mr Williamson congratulated the Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre on its success and praised the volunteers for their ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for the Evans Head community.

“This is exactly the kind of grassroots project that strengthens community connections and supports healthy, sustainable living,” he said.

PHOTO:  Richie gets into the spirit of things at the official opening of the fairy garden with volunteer Jally Hawthorn, cheered on by the dedicated Community Garden volunteers and the Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre team.