CAIRNS Regional Council’s ‘Green Space Our Place’ volunteer program is celebrating a decade of beautifying the region’s natural spaces.
More than 1000 people have rolled up their sleeves as part of the program over its lifetime, contributing around 240,000 volunteer hours.
Starting formally in 2013, Green Space Our Place grew out of the Down ‘n’ Dirty group which had been helping with basic gardening tasks in the Cairns Botanic Gardens.
Today, the program averages 400 active volunteers, across a broad range of activities that enhance neighbourhoods, parks, reserves and waterways throughout Cairns.
Mayor Terry James said joining the Green Space Our Place program was a great way to learn practical skills, pick up tips on tropical plants and connect with like-minded people.
“From the Botanic Gardens to Sugarworld Parklands, Cattana Wetlands to the Esplanade, volunteers pitch in to grow seedlings, plant trees, remove invasive weeds, mulch and clean up rubbish to keep these areas healthy and inviting,” he said.
“Council greatly appreciates the hard work of the Green Space Our Place volunteers, which would otherwise not be possible within council’s budget.
“They are the epitome of ‘quiet achievers’, literally getting their hands dirty week after week to take care of our natural environment to the benefit of all our residents.”
The Green Space Our Place program also provides opportunities for neighbours to band together to improve areas that are important to them or come together to grow their own produce in a pocket garden.
“Apart from the physical and mental health benefits of working in nature, the program brings people together around a common goal, helping to build lasting connections that contribute to community resilience,” Cr James said.
Rounding out the Green Space Our Place program are children’s education groups, Little Taccas and Little Sprouts, and The Green Space education garden, set up to showcase how easy it is to grow food plants in the tropics.
As well as the Green Space Our Place program, council has volunteering opportunities at the Animal Care and Education Centre, and across community events such as Cairns Festival and Ecofiesta.
Keep up with the latest news in Cairns and the Far North, and check out some of our top stories this week: Crankworx returns to paradise in 2024 and Narrow Tracks is in the Christmas spirit.
