The Good Works Garden, a place for healing, inclusion and learning

Today, the Good Works Garden was officially launched at Dirty Jane’s in Fyshwick that transformed a barren patch of grass into a unique garden that will foster community inclusion, a place to learn new skills, and provide fresh produce for those less fortunate in our community.

A joint initiative of Argyle Housing, St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn and Dirty Janes Canberra who joined forces to create an accessible garden that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

The Good Works Garden will create inclusion opportunities for residents of housing run by Argyle Housing and Vinnies. Additionally, the fresh produce will be utilised by Vinnies Blue Door, that provides nutritious meals to those who need it throughout the year. 

The Garden will also be a venue for future activities for Vinnies youth programs and other activities. It was created with support by the local businesses including the Fyshwick Business Association, All Bids and Nikias Diamond constructions, along with hundreds of volunteers working bee hours.

“The power of a garden can be transforming and it’s my hope that with we have created a space for those we serve and people of all ages, abilities and experience can come together to form a new community to grow produce and be nurtured by this place which would otherwise be a blank canvas.”, said Lucy Hohnen, CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn

The opening event commenced with remarks from the three CEOs of the respective organisations, followed by official proceeding and concluded with unveiling of a plaque by Alicia Payne MP to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee through a community tree planting adjacent to the garden.

The Garden was recently awarded a community garden grant by the ACT Government and has been built with generous donations from the business community. 

If you would like to know more about the Garden or volunteer please visit, www.goodworksgarden.org 

Media Contact: Nikita Nair, nikita.nair@vinnies.org.au or call 0410 359 420