From Hawkesbury to Pittwater and Back
Pittwater, like Hawkesbury, bounces on the back of its waterways, so when I was invited to attend the recent event held by North West Disability Services (NWDS) at Church Point, the surroundings relaxed me like most water captured locations do and I was keen to hear about a new project beginning at NWDS’s Secret Garden, based at Western Sydney University Campus, Richmond, not far from my electorate office.
Hats off to Master of Ceremonies and Patron Dr Jim Taggart OAM for his ongoing commitment to this worthy organisation and I know that Pittwater, like The Hills and Hawkesbury area, is familiar territory to him.
Jim was able to muster financial support with an art auction on the day which showcased the incredible talent of some of the NWDS participants. Staff also educated us on the Hydro Coop Farming Project which is being set up at the Secret Garden Western Sydney University Campus, Richmond.
The venture is designed to foster independence by combining hydroponic and poultry farming into a hands-on learning environment and at the same time providing job creation and financial independence.
Currently, the Secret Garden community hub offers animal therapy, horse riding, training in woodworking, pottery, candle making and gardening, among other things. The hands-on learning approach empowers participants through a sense of belonging, self-sufficiency and purpose.
What I like about this organisation is that they advocate for people with disabilities to promote equity and training through support required to develop valuable and transferable skills, and they have been doing that for 41 years!
Congratulations to the team at North West Disability Services for your vision, determination and talent. We look forward to the growth of the Hydro Coop yielding a bounty of supplies of freerange eggs and fresh vegetables and may your work be as sustainable as the produce you create.
