500 plants donated to support Community Greening project in NSW

More than 500 plants, propagated by horticulture students at TAFE NSW Padstow, have been donated to the Botanic Gardens of Sydney’s Community Greening program. This long-running initiative, a 25-year partnership between the Botanic Gardens of Sydney and Homes NSW, supports public housing residents and community groups across New South Wales to create and maintain green spaces that promote sustainability, education and wellbeing.

The plants are being used in diverse community projects, including rooftop gardens, youth programs, and local gardening workshops. Recipients range from aged care centres and social housing providers to grassroots initiatives in both urban and regional areas, with one regional program receiving over 100 plants. Projects benefiting young people include a youth justice centre, mental health unit and a boys’ high school. Multiple Wesley Mission sites and a Salvation Army rooftop garden have also received plants.

The plants were propagated by TAFE NSW Padstow Certificate II and III in Horticulture students. TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Horticulture, Tony Momi, said the donation showcases the real-world application of student learning: ‘This project highlights how our horticulture training is creating positive change in the community and environment. Our students learn valuable hands-on skills, and at the same time, they are helping improve access to green spaces, and supporting healthier, more connected communities. We are proud to contribute to such a meaningful cause.’

Botanic Gardens of Sydney Chief Executive, Simon Duffy AM said, ‘Since 2000, the Community Greening program has supported over 1000 community gardens in social housing areas. Over two hundred thousand participants have engaged in this program. The donation from TAFE NSW Padstow is making a meaningful difference, enabling the Community Greening program to support more communities. These plants do more than brighten spaces – they foster learning, encourage social connection, and build resilience. We are already seeing the positive impact these living resources have on people’s wellbeing and sense of belonging.’ Community Greening is one of the Botanic Gardens’ most awarded non-profit outreach programs and is co-funded by Homes NSW in the Department of Communities and Justice. It empowers vulnerable people and communities to get involved in a community gardening project in their area and provides valuable health, training, education, economic and social benefits to disadvantaged communities across New South Wales