By NICOLE VALICEK
A NEW project designed to keep the elderly and frail active in their homes is sure to be a real hit among those with a green thumb.
A group of dedicated people from the Rotary Club of Williamstown met with Hobsons Bay City councillors for the launch of Plots to Pots at The Walker Close Community Centre last Friday.
The initiative started last year with Rotarian and project manager Paul Richards spearheading the project.
The idea was to construct raised garden beds out of discarded wooden pallets to help elderly or disabled people to access their garden plots without needing to bend over or get down onto the ground.
At first, the gardens beds were installed in community centres with the council supplying materials and the local Rotary Club supplying manpower.
Today the idea has grown to the stage where the council helps select older residents in need of a raised garden bed which Rotary volunteers will install.
“It gives them a hobby, it gives them an interest, it gives them a lot of enjoyment,” Mr Richards said.
Williamstown Rotary Club president Kathy Roberts said it was a terrific project for members to be involved in.
“It’s a wonderful community project and that’s what Rotary is all about we want to be out there helping,” she said.
Hobsons Bay City Councillor Paul Morgan said the council was happy to provide residents the support that they need to stay in their homes as long as possible.
“(The project) provides an opportunity for elderly residents to improve their food security it also provides an outlet activity,” he said.
