Giving a gift of nature

Hurstville Community Garden Association
Passionate. Knowledgeable. Generous

Horticulturist Lucillia Chan is dedicating her retirement to helping people from all walks of life experience the joy and healing power of nature.

Lucillia is an enthusiastic volunteer for the Hurstville Community Garden Association, which has set up a 30-bed garden in Hurstville.

The association grows vegetables and flowering plants and has a communal area where people can simply enjoy the beauty. It is all the more inclusive because Lucillia is fluent in English and Cantonese.

Several local groups use the garden, including the gardening therapy group that Lucillia started to help people affected by cancer. The relaxing atmosphere, keeping busy with weeding and watering and interacting with other people help relieve members’ stress and anxiety.

The garden also allows young mums to grow food, is used to teach high school students about sustainability and gives seniors a place to connect with the community.

Despite her busy volunteering schedule, Lucillia generously gives her time to teach worm farming and composting to people in the neighbourhood.

Lucillia is honoured to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “The garden provides a green space for people living in high-rise buildings. We practise organic gardening, which is important for the environment and the health and wellbeing of the community,” she says.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The Hurstville Community Garden Association will use its funds to extend its pergola so more people can be hosted and to introduce under-cover activities for older people.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here