The new SWAMP (Sustainable Wetlands Agriculture Makers Project) community group, operating from Wyong’s Pioneer Dairy, was graced by a visit from bushy bearded television celebrity of Gardening Australia, Costa Georgiadis, on Sunday, December 13.
He came to view the region’s newest gardening and agriculture group, and SWAMP spokesperson, Cheralyn Darcey, said that they were thrilled to have Costa there to launch the project and see what was building at the former dairy.
“He gave a passionate and inspiring talk about volunteering, creating community, looking after our local environment and, of course, growing plants,” Darcey said.
“Costa said we drew a line in the dirt, that from this day on we would all be jumping over, while each of us was creating vectors of community spirit across the whole Central Coast.
“He offered his ongoing support for SWAMP and said he couldn’t wait until he returned to see the view had disappeared, shielded by our garden,” Darcey said.
Costa spoke of the surge of interest in gardening right around the country during 2020, and his passion to encourage re-wilding in local communities to support the local ecosystems of plants, insects, birds and animals and to inspire inter-generational connections.
SWAMP Project Co-ordinator, Sue Bradley, is pleased how the concept is growing.
“We’re all about growth and community, and gardening together is such a great antidote to many of society’s challenges,” she said.
“We have people of all ages and backgrounds coming on board, it’s remarkable to watch both the volunteers and plants grow together.
“We’re so appreciative of Central Coast Council and the Wyong Pioneer Dairy Board of Management for giving us this wonderful opportunity.”
To become involved or for more information, go online to swampcentralcoast.com.au
David Abrahams