TAFE NSW – Western Sydney Institute, Blacktown College has been awarded first place in the Sustainable Garden Competition for its vegetable garden which was established and is maintained by new immigrant students as part of their educational program.

“Not only have the gardening practices used at Blacktown College been recognised as the best possible practice in sustainable gardening, but the garden has also been built and maintained by migrant students, many of whom are refugees from war-torn countries,” said Ms Susan Hartigan, Institute Director.

Ms Hartigan said the sustainable, organic vegetable garden is a great success because it works on more than horticultural and environmental levels.

“The students have also been learning English through gardening. It’s been incorporated into the English language educational program at Blacktown College. It’s a great example of the College’s organising its approach to best suit the community.

“As is so often the case, learning goes both ways. Many of these students have so many skills, and a program like this provides the perfect environment for these skills and confidence to come to the fore. Designing, building and maintaining the garden also facilitates interaction and communication between different groups of students and staff. The students enjoy talking to one another in English about the plants, how they are grown in their home countries and the many ways to cook them,” she said.

The competition, conducted by Keep Australia Beautiful NSW, recognises the achievements of individuals, community groups, schools and councils in creating and maintaining gardens that not only look good but achieve positive and sustained outcomes for the environment.