Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News
PICAL volunteers honoured at Blue Gum Reserve for work in Community Garden and aiding Phillip Island food pantry
Blue Gum Reserve hosted an event honouring PICAL volunteers for their role in the Community Garden, aiding the food pantry. This collaborative effort received support from various organisations, fostering a thriving community space.
This week the sun shone brightly as we held an afternoon tea at Blue Gum Reserve on Phillip Island to celebrate and recognise Phillip Island Community & Learning Centre (PICAL) volunteers and stakeholders for their contributions to the Community Garden project. The produce from this community garden contributes to the PICAL food pantry which supports those in need on the Island. This is a perfect example of community collaboration in creating thriving and beautiful productive gardens that can benefit individuals and families.
PICAL is a registered not-for-profit Community Centre and Learn Local organisation, also aids hardship via food relief, offers welfare referrals, employment services, and nurtures a community garden for learning and sharing
Community project support
This project has been supported by Bass Coast Shire Council, Phillip Island RSL and Parks Victoria who funded the jetty timbers which feature on the front fence. Further support has been provided by Blue Gum Garden Centre, Bunnings, Mitre 10 and the Victorian Housing Building Association.
A special thanks goes to all the wonderful PICAL volunteers, particularly for their efforts since the garden's main infrastructure was completed in June 2023. Guests enjoyed a garden tour which was led by dedicated volunteers and also got to take home fresh herbs from the garden in gorgeous recycled and repurposed tea cups aligning with the ethos of the centre.
Community support hub
PICAL is a registered not-for-profit Community Centre and Learn Local organisation providing a wide range of community services and learning opportunities to support the needs of our community. PICAL believes in building a strong, safe and vibrant community that facilitates social inclusion and values diversity.
PICAL provides a vital service to those experiencing hardship through their emergency food relief program. Support is also offered through welfare service referrals, employment services and a Centrelink agency.
PICAL manages the community garden and supplies fresh produce to a pantry with many opportunities for horticulture training, organic vegetable and fruit growing workshops, and local food swaps. For further information please visit Community Centre | PICAL | Cowes website.
Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to access vital government services via the Mobile Service Centre visiting six towns
East Gippsland Council appoints seven new members to strengthen East Gippsland agriculture sector advisory committee
Martin Cameron announces Claire Lindsay as Marsh/Tierney Scholar to trek Kokoda and honour Gippsland's legacy
Darren Chester urges Minister to stop pay freeze as NDIS cuts threaten Gippsland participants allied health services
Free ATDW listings available to help East Gippsland tourism businesses boost online presence and reach new audiences
Southern Rural Water invites farmers to apply for Latrobe River water as 5.3GL reallocated to boost agriculture and jobs by 30 July
Tim Bull welcomes return of direct V/Line coaches, ending inconvenient metro transfers for East Gippsland passengers
Bass Coast Council is now accepting EOIs for the Victorian Women's Public Art Commission at Wonthaggi until 24 July 2025
East Gippsland celebrates lighting upgrades boost community spirit at Lindenow South and Wy Yung Reserves
