The Landscaping Program team have been extremely busy preparing the gardens ready for National Apology Day, Wednesay 13 February 2013

A work experience program in conjunction with The Salvation Army, Employment Plus as the Job Service Provider and Department of Employment and Education Work
Relations (DEEWR), and Durack commenced in late October.

The program is designed to provide work experience and training for early school leavers and the long term unemployed.  Job seekers are currently using the program to assist with landscaping the gardens at Bundiyarra - part of the horticulture duties required while undertaking a Certificate II in Conversation and Land Management.

Duties include paving, edging, treating weeds, identifying and cultivating plant specimens, garden beds and assisting landscaping design.

A similar program ran in 1998 when the guys from Wila Gutharra CDEP got their hands into some serious gardening in preparation of the opening of Bundiyarra.

Knowing that National Apology Day was approaching, the workers wanted to commit to completing areas of the gardens to host the occasion and salute their Elders. Bundiyarra is extremely proud of this team.  They have taken the time to design the areas, source local products and retain their culture by collecting rocks from Gunnadoo Farm to build rock walls with seating.

Bundiyarra hopes community will utilise the gardens knowing that it is

‘A good place to go’.

When the City of Greater Geraldton appointed Emily O’Hara for the ‘Go Gero’ campaign, she expressed her desire to assist in developing a Community Garden for community.

Discussions with Bundiyarra CEO soon saw a submission to the ‘Go Gero’ initiative.

The successful submission has assisted many teams within Bundiyarra to come together and share ideas and designs for the Community Garden.

Site works have now been completed. Currently, we are fine tuning the design which will include fencing, water tanks and reticulation.

After consultation with community it has been decided the garden will become a source of bush medicine, bush tucker and array of traditional vegetables.

As the project advances we will be looking to secure the help of our volunteers.

From left: Camille Dalgety, Colin Jones, Trimmer Garlett, Empower Education, Environmental Health Training Provider Greg McConkey and Josh Joseph

When Wesley Hedlam, Trimmer Garlett and Camile Dalgety signed up for the work experience program with Bundiyarra they liked the idea of being able to work at a place that is of great significance for community.

The three workers are now enrolled to complete their Certificate II in Environmental Health which will reward them in working for the Bundiyarra Environmental Health program. 

Bundiyarra CEO said that the workers chosen to complete their certificate have shown dedication to the program by attending work on a regular basis and committing to their local community.

Wesley Hedlam has already signed his employment contract.