Life Without Barriers participants in Palmerston, Darwin are tending to this space, and we can't wait to see it flourish!
Image: Warren sitting on a chair, cleaning up the Harvest Corner garden.
Since 2024, Life Without Barriers has partnered with Palmerston City Council and the local community to help grow the Harvest Corner Community Garden.
Now, some of the people who choose Life Without Barriers support services in Darwin can spend their time pottering around the greenery.
This shared gardening project is designed to create an inclusive environment within the Palmerston community, supporting all groups of people, to foster a sense of belonging and so people are able to participate in community activities fully.
Image: A sign within the garden that says 'Harvest Corner. Community Garden.'
Sameer, Regional Operations Manager, Disability and Mental Health, Darwin and Katherine, said that participants enjoy spending time in the community garden.
"It’s dry season now in Darwin, and our participants love to hang out," Sameer said.
Image: Tara, who is holding a rake, and Sameer, stand side by side in the garden, smiling at the camera.
Spending time in the Harvest Corner Community Garden is a wonderful way for participants to hang out with each other, be in nature, be active, and learn new skills. Working in a garden and with your hands also improves health, well-being, and community connectedness.
"Two of the people we support, Tara and John, said that cleaning up the Harvest Corner reminded them of the work they used to do in their communities," Sameer said.
"They both are from the same community, Maningrida, and love to hang out."
Image: Tara and John sit side by side at a picnic table, talking.
The garden is a great way for the participants to learn more about gardening and learn more about each other. The people we support to head to the garden are from the Life Without Barriers’ Community Pathways Program or have chosen Supported Independent Living in Darwin.
The Community Pathways Program is a day program where participants can learn art, cooking and gardening, play outdoor games, gentle exercise and sports programs and head out to local community activities, such as going to the library, movies or volunteering.
You can find out more about Life Without Barriers Northern Territory Day Hubs Social and Community Participation Services here.
Supported Independent Living is a great way to live more independently, while having easy access to your assisted living supports! You can find the current Supported Independent Living (SIL) vacancies across the Northern Territory here.
Image: The first photo is of Warren, sitting on a chair, cleaning up the Harvest Corner garden. The second photo is of Tara, using a rake in the garden.
The Harvest Corner Community Garden is a joint venture between Steps Employment, Helping People Achieve, Palmerston City Council and Life Without Barriers. It is set to continue until 2026, and we are looking forward to continuing to share and enjoy the space with the community!
