Gordon Reid (Robertson, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to acknowledge Gosford Woman of the Year nominee Tania Haydn for her continued dedication to our Central Coast community and, in particular, the Woy Woy Peninsula Community Garden. Tania has been involved in the Woy Woy community garden for the past 12 years, ensuring that it remains a place for residents of the peninsula to meet, grow nutritious vegetables and fruits, and cultivate produce to sell and generate funds to reinvest back into the garden.

For many years, the Woy Woy community garden struggled with antisocial behaviour and damage to its property which diminished the appeal of the garden. Since Tania's involvement, as well as with the help of other dedicated community members, they have been able to turn around this set of circumstances. The Woy Woy community garden is now thriving. It is proving so popular that volunteers have to be placed on a waiting list to get involved. I'm also told that they have recently signed a 10-year lease with the Central Coast Council, which will ensure the garden's continued custodianship of the property in Moana Street, Woy Woy. I would like to congratulate the Woy Woy community garden itself on becoming incorporated. That will allow the organisation to apply for grants and to help them further strengthen, prosper and become more resilient as time goes on.

Finally, Tania also dedicates her time to the Rural Fire Service and has assisted St Vincent de Paul within the region on the Central Coast. Again, thank you, Tania, for all the amazing work that you do for our Central Coast family.