A NEW project will provide a hands-on introduction to agriculture and horticulture for Wimmera migrant communities and disengaged youth.
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Growing Futures – Hindmarsh will involve a range training programs based on farming, gardening, and floristry.
Nhill Learning Centre has developed the program, and successfully applied to Hindmarsh Shire Council to lease Nhill’s former kindergarten building in Clarence Street for the project.
The kinder has relocated to the new Nhill Early Years Centre at Nhill College.
Council approved the learning centre’s lease application at a meeting this week.
Learning centre executive officer Annette Creek said the group received an Adult Community Further Education Board grant for the Growing Futures project.
"There are a lot of jobs within horticulture and agriculture in our region, and this is a way people can get a taste of that and start gaining skills in those areas.”
- Annette Creek
“We want a program where people can learn basic skills, but also a place that fosters social cohesion and participation for people who might not have had the opportunity to learn before,” she said.
“It is aimed at giving people a step into those industries. There are a lot of jobs within horticulture and agriculture in our region, and this is a way people can get a taste of that and start gaining skills in those areas.”
The program will initially run for one or two days each week.
Mrs Creek said the centre did not intend to make structural changes to the kinder building, but would construct garden beds in its outdoor area.
“It is a fantastic venue and centrally located, and ideal for that type of program,” she said.
“We thought it would be a terrible shame to see the building not utilised anymore.
“We were keen to use it for community purposes, rather than it just becoming another empty space.
“We’re grateful to council for supporting the initiative. We are really looking forward to getting started, and hope to have something up and running by next year.”
Hindmarsh mayor Debra Nelson said the initiative was innovative and exciting.
“All sorts of community members will be able to be involved,” she said.
“If ever you have a vacant building in town it can deter people, so to have the learning centre take the kinder on and offer a project that will help so many many people is fantastic.”
Council approved a two-year lease of $100 a year, with an option to extend the lease after this time.
