A unique gardening program at Sanctuary Lakes has been thrust into the spotlight ahead of the resort’s annual golf day next month.
Federal Assistant Social Services Minister Mitch Fifield visited Point Cook last Thursday to learn more about the program, which is a partnership between Sanctuary Lakes Resort and disability support group Mambourin.
The program provides Mambourin with an ongoing contract for its gardening team to work at the resort as part of its maintenance program.
Money raised by the golf day, organised by John and Jeanne Burbidge and Friends of Mambourin, benefits the gardening team.
Mambourin chief executive Rohan Braddy, who joined Senator Fifield in planting a tree to celebrate the success of the gardening program, said the partnership with Sanctuary Lakes had helped make a difference to people’s lives.
“It’s been an ongoing and outstanding success, demonstrating the strength of the support from the community for services provided by organisations like Mambourin,” he said.
Sanctuary Lakes Resort Services chairman Ian Brown said the program aimed to help Mambourin clients find full-time employment.
“The main aim is to provide ongoing employment in a situation where workers can progress from Mambourin to potentially become full-time employees of Sanctuary Lakes Resort Service,” Mr Brown said.
