Manoora 4

Manoora Community Garden and Community Corrections offenders grow the community together

Offenders coordinated and under the supervision of officers from Community Corrections in Cairns have been helping the Manoora community grow by assisting in a working bee at the Manoora Community Garden recently.

The Manoora Community Garden was established in 2016 and Cairns Community Corrections officers have been able to assist the garden grow in size and stature since its establishment with the supply of labour from a number of offenders under their supervision.

The garden has seen a remarkable transformation recently with the help from a number of offenders under the supervision of community corrections rolling up their sleeves for a working bee.
Around 30 members of the local community also pitched in and the work focused on a section next to the gardens near Moody Creek which was overgrown and is used by local children who swim in the creek.

The crew removed around 15 tonnes of building rubble, 16m2 of Guinea Grass and weeds, 4m2 of general rubbish as well at 4 bikes to clear the area ready to plant.

A further 120 native seedlings donated by a local nursery were planted in the area and over 25m 2 of mulch was spread to help the seedlings establish their roots and grow with the children that will pass them on their way to the creek.

District Manager for Cairns Allen van Eyssen said that the work conducted by the group has made a huge difference to the area for the community.

“You can see in the pictures just how much work everyone did, so it’s fantastic that we can assist the Manoora Community Garden by providing some labour.

“International research suggests that by staying in touch and close to their community, offenders can continue to rehabilitate and projects like this one give those under our supervision a chance to make a real difference in their community and see the good that they do and be proud of their efforts.” Mr van Eyssen said.

Manoora Community Garden Coordinator Amy Eden said that community gardens around the world have proved the beneficial outcomes for everyone that is involved in their planting and upkeep.

“Many hours of hard work were completed here by Community Service workers to have the garden looking its best.” Ms Eden said.

“The workers should all be proud as they see the fruits of their labour and have received thanks and gratitude from the gardening volunteers. The partnership between QCS and the garden is blossoming!”

Further images can be seen via the link below:

https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/8fbff4daa38c4265aa6af1162223e206?fbclid=IwAR0yQ6u1ZQuKrCX1SJZNwvSgUQxYMAf2Dku28615fGt8YWwIistaEaTESdQ