The spirit of community came alive in the form of shovels, seedlings, and shared purpose at the Garden Blitz Day, the first major step in the Haddon Community Garden Project.
Brendan and Justin from the Aberdeen team lent a hand by preparing the site—leveling the ground, bringing in fresh toppings, installing retaining walls, and clearing out old materials.
Once the site prep was done The Haddon Community Learning Centre, Ballarat Permaculture Guild, Haddon Primary School, and community members came together.
Teamwork in Action
It was fantastic to see so many new faces working side by side with seasoned volunteers—sharing stories, lending hands, and collectively taking the first steps to transform the garden space.
The Ballarat Permaculture Guild played an instrumental role on the day, providing not only helping hands but also invaluable knowledge on sustainable gardening practices. Their guidance helped set the foundation for what will become a flourishing, environmentally conscious space.
Haddon CLC manager Rick Bushell gave special recognition to Barry Gibson, whose passion and drive brought the Wicking Beds to life—an essential feature of the garden design. Rick also thanked Ann Goeman, whose plant knowledge and creative input helped shape the overall layout and planting approach.
And of course, it was great to see the bright energy of students and teachers from Haddon Primary School. Seeing the next generation take pride in building something for their community is a highlight and the school will now have ownership of specific sections of the garden, creating a sense of responsibility, pride, and collaboration.
More Than Just a Garden
The new Community Garden will be so much more than just a place to grow food. It’s a living space that reflects the core values of The Haddon CLC: Connection, Impact, and Opportunity. Through this garden the aim is to promote community connection, provide opportunities for learning and education, and will contribute in a small way to big problems like food security in our region.
Once complete, the garden will include:
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Self-watering Wicking Beds
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A diverse mix of edible and ornamental plants
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An eco-friendly irrigation system
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Worm farms and composting systems
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Community art installations
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A welcoming space for relaxation and social connection
Looking Ahead
This Garden Blitz was just the beginning. As the garden grows, so too will the sense of shared ownership and community pride. We can’t wait to see how the space evolves and continues to bring people together through shared purpose, learning, and a love for the natural world.
From all of us at Aberdeen Ballarat, we’re proud to support projects that strengthen the heart of our community. Here’s to more days like this—full of muddy boots, blooming plants, and the joy of doing something good, together.
