Bush tucker garden grows community spirit at Broome Short Stay Accommodation

Community spirit has flowered at MercyCare’s Broome Aboriginal Short Stay Accommodation with several local businesses coming together to create a bush tucker garden for guests.

Completed with native herbs, fruits and vegetables, the thriving bush tucker garden was the brainchild of MercyCare Aboriginal Support Worker Florence Bin Omar who wanted to create a platform to educate local families on healthy eating.

“The idea to have the garden at Broome was to educate families on native bush tucker around the area and encourage and promote healthy eating to our families that use this service,” Ms Bin Omar said.

The project was executed using funding from MercyCar’s CEO Innovation Grant and the generosity of local businesses.

“Since the start of the project, we have had many different services assist us and now the garden is thriving,” the support worker said. “We’re very thankful for the help from Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Organisation, who came onboard and helped with the initial set and the design, such as pathways, fencing and garden beds.”

Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Joe Grande said community projects like this were perfect examples of the importance of strong partnerships between organisations.

“It is important for like-minded organisations to collaborate,” he said. “This is a great example of what is achievable through this strong partnership. Our trainees involved in the project gain practical skills and MercyCare improve their facility and provide a further activity for guests.”

Monsoonal Landscapes, Bunnings and North Regional TAFE also provided a helping hand.