Helping a community garden take root in Gordon

For families facing financial pressure, Gordon Community Centre offers practical help and a place to connect. The Lyone Foundation provided $10,000 to help establish a new community garden at the centre in Canberra’s south.

Established in 2017, Gordon Community Centre is a partnership between Anglicare NSW South, NSW West & ACTand Lanyon Valley Anglican Church. It brings services and community activities together in one local place. Its emergency relief pantry provides food and personal care items to people in crisis and can connect them with further support. A free playgroup, coffee and chat sessions, and skills activities give residents opportunities to meet, learn and build friendships.

The proposed garden was another way to support families who were struggling and bring people together at the centre. Anglicare estimated it would cost $6,000 to $8,000 to establish, with ongoing maintenance needed to care for the space.

Through this grant, the Lyone Foundation supported Anglicare’s plan to create a welcoming outdoor space for the Gordon community, alongside the practical assistance and social connections already offered at the centre.