MCKENZIE THOMPSON

GAWLER Uniting Church recently installed a new playground and community gardening area, thanks to funding via the now defunct Fund My Neighbourhood program.

The $89,000 grant, made possible by the former State Labor Government initiative, has created an opportunity for community members to engage in activities outside of Sunday church hours.

Gawler Uniting Church pastor Josh Scherer said the church applied for the grant at end of 2017.

“We were successful amongst a whole different other projects around Gawler,” he said.

“So, it was a good opportunity to build something to engage with the community in a conventional way.

“It was a long time in planning.

“The food that will be grown here will be used, particularly with the ‘You Care’ group across the road from the church.

“We will also use the food grown to create meals for the homeless and underprivileged.

“We also offer playgroup on Mondays, so the playground will be a great addition to this.”

Gawler Uniting Church member Sam Sanders said her family has been involved with planting the seedlings in the new raised garden beds.

“We have been getting all people involved, which has been really exciting,” she said.

“The church has been very positive, it has created a good opportunity for the older and the younger members to get involved who might not normally connect.”

Pastor Scherer said the garden and playground will appeal to many people locally.

“The garden is organic, and so is everything we have used to maintain it,” he said.

“On the playground, we are yet to lay some artificial turf down.

“The plan is for us to be open during daylight hours for everyone to enjoy.

“It was given to us to share, so that is what we are going to do.”

Gawler Uniting Church will be holding a community garden and playground open day this Saturday, May 25, from 10am-1pm, with a free morning tea and sausage sizzle available.