Karen and African refugees including Naw Gay Htoo (pictured) have been working hard to ensure the kitchen garden at Werribee Park Mansion is thriving once again.
The historic garden, which had been dormant in recent years, is now full of fruit and vegetables after Parks Victoria and the Adult Multicultural Education Service organised to have seedlings planted. Ranger in charge James Brincat got the idea for the project when he saw the enthusiasm and skills of the AMES volunteers when they helped replant the mansion’s parterre gardens this winter.
“Since then it’s developed into much more than a kitchen garden project. It’s designed to attract people from ethnic backgrounds by offering horticulture and vocational English classes, as well as being a healthy outdoor activity.” The garden revival is jointly funded by AMES, Parks Victoria and the Werribee Mansion Hotel, which will have a share of the fresh produce for its restaurant.
