More than just a gardening opportunity

A COMMUNITY garden and outdoor space has been created at the ac.care Millicent Community Centre to support social connection and new opportunities in the heart of the township.

Raised garden beds and outdoor seating have beautified the centre’s George Street grounds, creating an attractive and functional space for people to meet, learn and connect.

ac.care officially unveiled the new garden area on Thursday, August 29 with a community celebration, ushering in a new era of opportunity for the important services hub.

A Community Connections flexible funding grant from the Department of Human Services has transformed the previously under-utilised space, which ac.care hopes will develop into a vibrant edible garden that provides free, healthy produce for centre visitors.

“The community garden project realises a vision for us here at Millicent Community Centre to create a community space for everyone where people can meet, relax, chat and participate in activities,” ac.care Millicent Community Centre coordinator Evonne Lambert said.

“We are excited to work with the community to plant, grow and maintain the garden, with the produce to also be shared by visitors, helping provide access to fresh food and lower grocery bills.

“The benefits this space provides go well beyond the food it can produce and it is our hope that these garden beds also grow connections between people while providing physical activity.”

Ms Lambert encouraged the local community to embrace the new space and find ways to use it to support social connection and building a sense of community.

“We have a range of community programs that will benefit from this space, but we are always looking to partner with our community to the benefit of all,” Ms Lambert said.

“This will be a great place to take a break from your shopping on a nice day or meet up with a colleague for an outdoor meeting.

“We would love to reach a point where local businesses and community groups are involved in activities and other opportunities, such as hosting a barbecue lunch for centre visitors.”

Ms Lambert said while the country agency had developed the community garden and outdoor space, it was important interested residents played a role in leading the area’s development.

“We want the community garden to be a meaningful and interactive space so we encourage anyone with the willingness to be involved to visit the centre and discuss how we can grow this space together,” Ms Lambert said.

The Millicent Community Centre is a multi-function office with a range of ac.care services, a Service SA Rural Agent/Service Agent, Services Australia Agency and a location for other organisations to provide outreach services for the community.

Visit the centre at 57-59 George Street or call (08) 8735 5700 for more information on how ac.care can support you or to contribute to the supports available.

Follow the Millicent Community Centre noticeboard – ac.care on Facebook for the latest news, events and opportunities.

CENTRE SPACE GROWS: Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll joined ac.care Millicent Community Centre volunteer Barry Leigh and centre coordinator Evonne Lambert to launch the community garden space at the George Street site