A new community garden is underway at the Sandgate RSL Sub Branch, designed to support the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families while providing a welcoming space for the wider community.
The project, which began in May, will transform an unused outdoor area into an accessible and therapeutic environment featuring raised garden beds, sensory plantings, an arbour and shaded gathering space, fruit trees, edible gardens and commemorative elements.
Sandgate RSL Sub Branch Vice President Paul Harris said the initiative reflected the RSL’s ongoing commitment to service, respect and community while creating a sustainable space that benefits future generations of veterans.
“The community garden will improve physical and mental health outcomes for veterans, reduce social isolation through shared activity and connection, and provide opportunities for intergenerational engagement,” Paul said. “It will also honour service and sacrifice through reflective spaces, and support veteran-owned businesses and create local employment opportunities.”
The project is being delivered by three veterans and their construction businesses – EVO Landscapes, TAE Construction Industries and Dig Deep Hire and Services.
Despite recent poor weather conditions, work has remained on schedule.
“These lads have kept the project on track,” Paul said. “They have worked through rain with comments, ‘just like working in the field with the Army’.”
Progress and Purpose Behind the Community Garden Project
Since construction began, the site has been cleared and levelled, the arbour has been constructed and posts for the garden beds have been installed.
The team also uncovered and rectified drainage issues, improving stormwater flow, while the existing fence shared with the neighbouring Girl Guides property has been replaced. The project will also tie in with the existing infrastructure on the Sandgate Courthouse property.
The project has been funded from the Queensland Government’s Honouring Our Veterans Grants Program, with the Sub Branch contributing 10 per cent of project costs through fundraising and savings.
“Without grant support, this project to support our veterans will not be possible,” Paul said.
The garden is expected to be completed by the end of June, with an official opening planned for 28 August. Community representatives, local organisations and government representatives are expected to attend the launch.
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
- Bramble Buzz: Updates from the Community
- How Does AI Actually Work
- Budget Changes Put Property Investors on Notice
- Top 5 Kids Movies You May Have Missed
- Why Learn History?
- The Age We Stop Performing
- Big Win for Small Business
- What the Brisbane Budget Means for Sandgate and Surround
- Uncertain Future for Deagon Racecourse
- Family Fun Awaits As Einbunpin Festival Returns
- Sandgate’s Beloved Franco Markets Continue to Grow
- Step Into The Past With Guided Historical Walks
- Not an Ideal Husband
- Brighton to Sparkle with Gem-Filled Exhibition
- Don’t Forget to Put Yourself on the List
- From Family Legacy To A Life Well Lived
- Hop, Skip, and Jump into the Winner’s Circle
- Dowse Lagoon – A Birdlife Bonanza
- How You Can Embrace STYLE at Every Age and Stage of Life
- Vintage Yacht Regatta Weekend Returns To Shorncliffe
- Bringing the Night Sky Closer at Urban Observers
- Women Hear the Siren Call of AFL
- Three Generations Ready to Rock the Bridge
- Behind the Gates: The Welcoming Community Spirit of QCYC
- Sandgate Men’s Shed Marks a Decade at Brighton Campus
- Experience The Magic Of Mary Poppins JR
- Crafting classes across Moreton Bay
- Organic Gardening in July: Growing Vegetables from Scraps
- Woodland Wonder Awaits at Toowoomba Fantasy Market
