The social enterprise project marks the latest in a series of initiatives run by THRIVE; a partnership between Neighbourhood House, Break O'Day Council, St Helens District High School and St Helens Literary Services, following on from a mentorship program which kicked off earlier this year.  

Neighbourhood House manager Trish O'Duffy thanked the council for its “generous support” in getting the project under way, saying the organisation planned to have some garden beds in action before Christmas.

“We hope to have some garden beds in place for spring planting,” Ms O'Duffy said. 

“Feedback from community members has been extremely positive and enthusiastic.

“We have some volunteers but are looking for more to help out in any capacity they can, whether it's helping to clear out the site or help with watering, feeding and weeding the garden beds when they get going.”

Organisers plan for the garden to eventually produce enough food to supply local supermarkets and provide affordable fresh fruit and vegetables for low income earners.  

Ms O'Duffy said she hoped the project would also act as a pathway to employment for Break O'Day residents through its provision of training, new skills and work experience opportunities.

“One of our goals is to provide opportunities for people needing to undertake work for the dole and access to increased volunteer opportunities with knowledge and skills sharing.” 

THRIVE is an acronym for Transforming Health Relationships Innovation Vocation and Education.