Plotting for extra support

Hopetoun’s community garden is ready for plants and a small group in charge of the project is looking for people keen to get involved.

With support from partner Anita, Hopetoun builder Paul Fischer built garden infrastructure that includes a gazebo and several raised boxes.

He has also completed a fence so young children can roam and play in the garden while protected from the road.

Each Monday, Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning students from Hopetoun P-12 College have helped Mr Fischer with building.

His sister Irene Kelly has helped him with chores such as spreading bark.

Mr Fischer has donated many hours of labour as well as recycled material to keep the garden financially viable, but his role is coming to an end.

“I’m a builder, not a gardener,” he said.

“I was happy to look after the building aspect because that’s my area of expertise, but when it comes to gardening, I don’t have much idea.

“I’ll leave that up to the green thumbs and those with more passion for planting than what I have.”

Rural Northwest Health administration team leader Cheryl Reid has also been getting dirt on her hands, helping with construction.

Others have involved themselves by pruning fruit trees in the garden.

Mrs Reid said she was now looking for people who would be interested in having a plot at the garden.

“We want community members to take ownership of this project and invest in their own little plot,” she said.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun with everyone working together to make the garden special.”