genU Employment Supports participant Liam stands in the gardens of historic and grand looking Werribee Mansion. He is wearing a hi-vis top and garden gloves. He is standing next to garden beds that he has been tending that include silverbeet

Growing food and employment skills at Werribee Park

genU program participants are growing food for people in need while building skills at one of the most iconic gardens in Victoria. 

About thirty people with disability have been gaining horticulture experience at Werribee Park as part of their employment supports. The initiative is the result of a genU partnership with Parks Victoria.

“They get deep satisfaction and pride from their work and can see a reward for their efforts with a garden that looks amazing,” said genU CEO, Clare Amies.

Three genU participants are currently working at the popular tourist attraction. They are supported by the genU Employment Pathways team and Parks Victoria horticultural rangers.

Liam (pictured) has been donning the gardening gloves with genU since February 2022. He enjoys working alongside the Parks Victoria rangers, tackling weeds, and caring for seedlings.

With fellow participants Ricky and Daniel, Liam has also been supporting the annual Silverbeet for Food Relief program run at Werribee Park.

As well as planting 2000 silverbeet seedlings, they are helping to maintain the garden beds. Once harvested, the silverbeet will be used in meals for people in need in Wyndham.

Partnership a blooming good idea

“The genU–Parks Victoria gardening program has proven very valuable to all involved,” said James Brinca, Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger, Werribee Plains.

“Volunteers, rangers and genU working together to create a place where everyone gets to make a real contribution to the health of the community while having a lot of fun while you learn – the smiles on their faces say it all.”

The program aligns with genU’s purpose of helping people reach their full potential.

“We know this sort of work, and involvement in a partnership of this nature, helps build social connections, confidence and self-esteem,” genU CEO, Clare Amies said.

“It’s an important pathway to potential employment”.

“This has been a wonderful collaboration. We are grateful for Parks Victoria rangers, who have thoroughly embraced our participants.

“They have helped them grow their independence and our understanding of what our participants need to thrive in a work environment.”

 

Wherever you are on your employment journey we can help you turn your employment goal into a meaningful career with Employment Pathways.

Our employment supports help you prepare for joining the workforce by building your skills and capabilities. Learn more

genU Employment Supports participant Liam stands in the gardens of historic and grand looking Werribee Mansion. He is wearing a hi-vis top and garden gloves. He is standing next to garden beds that he has been tending that include silverbeet