Kitchen Garden Launch & Green Corps Graduation
24 Oct 06
23 October 2006 was a warm sunny day for a number of great events at the Koonwarra Sustainable Communities Centre.
The Koonwarra Community Kitchen Garden was opened.
The Graduation of the Green Corps team of 17-20 year olds who had
worked on the establishment of the Community Kitchen Garden
took place.
This web site was launched.
The Koonwarra Plastic Bag Free Village initiative was launched.
Approximately 70 people attended the function with the ceremonies conducted on the front lawn of the Centre. Federal Member for McMillan, Mr Russell Broadbent officiated at the Green Corps Graduation congratulating the young people on their achievements.
The Kitchen Garden establishment was one of three projects worked on by the Green Corps team - the others being the Great South Rail Trail and Baths Road Reserve. Therefore the participants have graduated with many skills to equip them for future employment.
Team Members
Allen Jolley
Aaron Brinksma
Malenie Rayment
Jack Sargent
Ashlee Derrick
Melissa Wolswinkel
Gemma Daley
Ivan Koetsveld
Matt Slade
Terresa Bennett
Leader: Tony Gardner
Other speakers included Cr Nigel Hutchinson-Brookes, Mayor of South Gippsland Shire; Green Corps Team Leader Tony Gardner; Chairperson of the Koonwarra Sustainable Communities Centre, Mr John Gunson; Eric Cummings from the Great Southern Rail Trail; a representative from Baths Road Reserve and Mr Thomas Burge, Manager of the Koonwarra Sustainable Communities Centre. The achievements and hard work by the young team was spoken of highly by each speaker.
Each member of the team spoke on aspects of the Course they had undertaken in their six months with Green Corps. The confidence gained through the Course was quite evident.
Following the official opening of the Kitchen Garden (and sampling of some of the produce such as snow peas) refreshments were enjoyed.
More on the Kitchen Garden can be seen under "Community Directory".