New garden to help community to grow

On May 16 the team of nine – including Long Island Point Plant Manager Kim Hahn – put aside their day jobs and spent the day constructing planter boxes for “The Garden”.

The Garden is a project that aims to promote healthy communities and inspire healthy eating practices by inviting locals to be involved in growing produce.

“This annual Day of Caring is one of many worthwhile programs that we support each year to help community organisations and services,” said Kim.

“We have been doing this now for 15 years and I couldn’t imagine a more worthwhile project to mark our 15th Day of Caring.

“It’s a project supported by so many community organisations, including Western Port Community Centre, The Salvation Army, Mornington Peninsula Shire, The Second Bite Program, the Men’s Shed and the Hastings Community Hub.”

Esso team coordinator Vanessa Baker said that the Men’s Shed had prefabricated the wooden planter boxes and the Esso team spent the day constructing them.

“We put in a very productive day’s work and now the planter boxes are ready for the project to begin planting produce,” she said.

Kim said she was proud to be part of a project that provided such a valuable community asset.

“The Garden provides a hands-on learning experience and contributes to developing skills, social inclusion and a sustainable, enduring community,” she said.

The Garden is scheduled to be officially opened on June 10.