UPDATE: The front garden of the VICSES Aintree Unit is set for an exciting transformation into a vibrant community space, thanks to a collaboration between local volunteers and students from Bacchus Marsh Grammar. This urgent project aims to foster resilience, creativity, and connection within the community, with design work kicking off in the new year.
A meeting earlier today with campus head Danielle Copeman revealed the school’s enthusiasm for the initiative. Students from the Woodlea campus will join VICSES volunteers and local residents to reimagine the garden, moving away from its current role as merely an entrance on Fields Street. The vision includes innovative features like a neighbourhood fairy garden for children and a leave-one, take-one library to promote sharing and literacy.
Alex Setterfield, the unit controller at VICSES Aintree, emphasized the unique opportunity this partnership provides. “Students will be involved in site visits, mapping, concept sketches, choosing planting, and even planning interactive features,” he stated. This hands-on experience will teach vital skills such as teamwork, planning, problem-solving, and resilience—core values of SES volunteers.
The project is seeking total funding from the community and local businesses. VICSES volunteers will contribute labor, planning, and site preparation, but support is needed to gather materials, plants, tools, and financial contributions. Local businesses interested in getting involved can also access advertising opportunities.
Mr. Setterfield highlighted the importance of the project in building positive community connections. “We often meet people on their worst days,” he noted. “A welcoming garden helps balance that by giving the community a calm, positive place where they can interact with us in a different way.”
The Aintree unit aims to strengthen long-term ties with young people, schools, and community groups through this initiative, paving the way for future workshops and educational programs. Residents, community groups, and local businesses willing to contribute to this exciting project are encouraged to reach out via [email protected].
This collaborative effort is not just about creating a garden; it’s about nurturing a community spirit and fostering resilience through shared experiences. Stay tuned for further updates as this project develops, and consider joining this remarkable initiative to make a difference in Aintree!
