Planting a community orchard to provide families with fresh fruit is the latest in a long list of initiatives started at Goodstart Campbelltown.
The centre has planted seven fruit trees to add to its community programs which include a community library, a clothes swap wardrobe and a pantry.
“It all started with the community pantry that we began inside the centre,” centre director Christina Gava said.“Our centre has been on a journey to bring people together and offer the community a place to get a book, tinned food and fresh fruit if they need it.
“From the pantry we moved on to the library where parents can take books home to read to their children, and then we started working with the domestic violence unit in South Australia on our clothes swap.”
The team then contacted the Athelstone Men’s Shed who created two wooden houses which are being used as a community library and pantry outside the centre.
“The fruit trees were an extension of that. We wanted the community to be able to help themselves to the fruit and we’ve got nectarines, limes, lemons, oranges, peaches and plums so far,” Ms Gava said.
Ms Gava said she took her role as a centre director very seriously, seeing it as a great opportunity to help others in the community.
“Children are central to everything we do and if we can support their families who are in need, we’re supporting them as well,” she said.
She said the programs supported families and people from outside the centre to get help in emergencies.
“Knowing that we can make a difference and help those families in need is something that I’m really proud of.”
The centre has planted seven fruit trees to add to its community programs which include a community library, a clothes swap wardrobe and a pantry.
“It all started with the community pantry that we began inside the centre,” centre director Christina Gava said.“Our centre has been on a journey to bring people together and offer the community a place to get a book, tinned food and fresh fruit if they need it.
“From the pantry we moved on to the library where parents can take books home to read to their children, and then we started working with the domestic violence unit in South Australia on our clothes swap.”
The team then contacted the Athelstone Men’s Shed who created two wooden houses which are being used as a community library and pantry outside the centre.
“The fruit trees were an extension of that. We wanted the community to be able to help themselves to the fruit and we’ve got nectarines, limes, lemons, oranges, peaches and plums so far,” Ms Gava said.
Ms Gava said she took her role as a centre director very seriously, seeing it as a great opportunity to help others in the community.
“Children are central to everything we do and if we can support their families who are in need, we’re supporting them as well,” she said.
She said the programs supported families and people from outside the centre to get help in emergencies.
“Knowing that we can make a difference and help those families in need is something that I’m really proud of.”