When several local gardening enthusiasts looked at the amount of green space surrounding the playground at the Quay Reserve in Torquay a number of years ago they saw a rare opportunity to create something generations could enjoy in years to come.
Fast forward to the summer of 2022 and members of Torquay Men’s Shed have just put the finishing touches on 22 hand crafted wooden name tags for the fruit trees that now make up the flourishing Quay Reserve Community Orchard.
Surf Coast Shire Councillor Rose Hodge was pleased Council was able to support and help fund the orchard and empower such great local ideas, energy and enthusiasm.
“These name tags are another beautiful addition to this fantastic community garden,” Cr Hodge said. “Council exists to help our community to thrive and looking around at these healthy trees with these beautiful name tags really is a wonderful example of this.
“This project would not exist without the support of Council, the help of incredible volunteers, groups like the Men’s Shed and Bunnings donations,” Quay Reserve Community Orchard volunteer Graeme Biggins said.
“In addition to a playground and gathering space, there are now trees with apples, pears, stone fruit and citrus that anyone in the community is free to pick at harvest time. To see children running up to pick an apple and have a swing while they eat it, is just wonderful.”
Additional volunteers are always welcome at Quay Reserve Community Orchard, especially during the summer months.
Contact Surf Coast Shire Council to volunteer, by lodging a request at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/request.
