Cade Lucas
Dozens of people with disabilities have been getting their hands dirty at one of the most iconic gardens in Victoria.
About 30 people from disability support service genU have been gaining horticulture experience at Werribee Park as part of a partnership with Parks Victoria.
GenU chief executive Clare Amies said participants work at the popular tourist attraction on a weekly basis, with support from the genU employment pathways team and Parks Victoria horticultural rangers.
“Our gardeners undertake a variety of tasks, including weeding and edging, planting seedlings, and putting seeds into punnets for propagation,” she said.
“They get deep satisfaction and pride from their work and can see a reward for their efforts with a garden that looks amazing.”
Among those benefiting from the gardening program is Liam Websdale, who has been donning the gardening gloves with genU since February 2022.
Mr Websdale enjoys working alongside the Parks Victoria rangers, tackling weeds, and caring for seedlings.
Along with Ricky Warner and Daniel Jole, Mr Websdale has also been supporting the annual Silverbeet for Food Relief program run at Werribee Park, helping plant 2000 silverbeet seedlings and maintaining the garden beds so the leafy vegetable is in top shape for harvesting.
The silverbeet is then used in meals to help feed people experiencing disadvantage in the Wyndham community.
Parks Victoria Werribee Plains area chief ranger James Brincat praised genU’s involvement at Werribee Park, describing the partnership as a win-win.
“The genU–Parks Victoria gardening program has proven very valuable to all involved,” he said.
“Volunteers, rangers and genU working together to create a place where everyone gets to make a real contribution to the health of the community while having a lot of fun while you learn – the smiles on their faces say it all.”
Ms Amies said program was an example of genU’s purpose of building inclusive communities and helping people reach their full potential.
“We are proud of our participants who have made such an important contribution over the years and continue to help Parks Victoria and other community groups maintain the grounds and produce food for a fantastic initiative,” she said.
“We know this sort of work, and involvement in a partnership of this nature, helps build social connections, confidence and self-esteem, and is an important pathway to potential employment.”
