The George Gray Centre Garden of Inclusion is an exciting community project that will transform underutilised land in Maffra into a fully accessible, inclusive seed garden—a vibrant space where people with disability and the wider community can come together to grow food, share knowledge, build skills, and connect. This purpose-built space will feature wheelchair-accessible garden ...
George Gray Centre
George Gray Centre – Garden of Inclusion Project
GOAL
$15,000
Australia > VIC > Regional
Field of Interest
- Community and economic development
- Social inclusion and justice
Target Population
- People with a disability, illness or disease
George Gray Centre
For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of providing innovative and inclusive disability support services, helping individuals and their families lead fulfilling lives. Our commitment to transparency, person-centered care, and community connection sets us apart as a trusted leader in the disability sector.
At the heart of the George Gray Centre is our purpose: Creating Opportunities. We exist to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the chance to participate fully in all aspects of life—whether in education, employment, or community activities. We believe that every person should have a voice and a role in society, and we are dedicated to making that a reality for all our participants.
Project Summary
The George Gray Centre Garden of Inclusion is an exciting community project that will transform underutilised land in Maffra into a fully accessible, inclusive seed garden—a vibrant space where people with disability and the wider community can come together to grow food, share knowledge, build skills, and connect.
This purpose-built space will feature wheelchair-accessible garden beds, sensory elements, shared workspaces, and wide, accessible pathways. It’s designed to provide a welcoming environment for people of all abilities to participate in gardening activities, sustainability education, and community-building events.
The garden will play a key role in improving food security, environmental awareness, and mental health and well-being, while also strengthening community ties across all ages and abilities. It will be used year-round for volunteering, disability-inclusive programs, intergenerational workshops, and seed-saving activities that promote resilience and environmental responsibility.
As a disability support organisation, George Gray Centre is proud to lead this project and ensure that inclusion is embedded at every level—from the soil to the seeds, to the people who help it grow.
With the support of funders, partners and the local community, the Garden of Inclusion will become a long-term community asset and a shining example of what’s possible when accessibility, sustainability, and connection come together in one place.
Project Outcomes
The goal of the Garden of Inclusion is to create a thriving, accessible community space that promotes inclusion, sustainability, skill-building, and connection. We want to see people with disability and the broader Maffra community working side by side—growing food, learning together, and forming meaningful social connections in a space designed for everyone.
Through the garden, we aim to:
– Provide accessible gardening and education opportunities for people of all abilities
- Improve food security through locally grown produce
- Support mental health and well-being through therapeutic outdoor activity
- Foster a stronger sense of community participation and pride
- Promote environmental sustainability and seed-saving practices
We’ll know we’ve achieved success when the garden is actively used and loved by the community: when an individual with a disability feels a sense of ownership and belonging in the space, when local volunteers return week after week, and when produce, seeds, and skills are being shared freely among neighbours.
We’ll measure outcomes through participation numbers, community feedback, produce outputs, and volunteer involvement, as well as the ongoing engagement of local schools and partners. Most importantly, success will be reflected in the smiles, conversations, and quiet pride of the people who help it grow.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $50,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funding Gap | $15,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Assets, Materials and Labour | $50,000 |
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