FROM JOAN PEASE MP
Wynnum Central station is blooming with the addition of two new gardens on the platform, which were planted and will be maintained by students at Darling Point Special School.
Member for Lytton Joan Pease said the project was a fantastic community partnership that added to the beautification of Wynnum Central station.
“I’m pleased to see the idea come to life and thank Queensland Rail for their support in helping us get off the ground,” Ms Pease said.
“Queensland Rail loved the idea of this project and were happy to work with the school to make it happen. They have even supplied the planter boxes as well as soil.
“Queensland Rail aims to connect communities and this project does exactly that – it brings students to the station to brighten the day of customers.
“I can’t wait to see the plants in full bloom and hope the students take as much pride in their work as I’m sure the locals will.”
Darling Point Special School Principal Charmaine Driver said the project allowed students to feel engaged with the community as well as valued and supported.
“They’re a highly motivated group and these students as well as their teacher, Ms Julie Bendall, are very excited about this project,” Mrs Driver said.
“It fits in beautifully with the school’s program because we operate a certificate in agri-food and horticulture. This provides a real-life work experience opportunity for the students to practically demonstrate the content they are learning in the classroom.
“They’re really hoping commuters notice the new garden beds and say hello while they’re planting and nurturing them.”
Wynnum Commerce Incorporated Chairman Michael Jullyan initially planted the seed for the idea, as part of its mission to make Wynnum Central the most beautiful train station in Brisbane.
“We’ve already installed a mural at the station building and this is a continuation of a drive to beautify the station,” Mr Jullyan said.
“We want to promote Wynnum as an end destination with fun things to do here. We are always engaging with the local community, so we asked Darling Point Special School to be involved and applied for a grant on its behalf.”
Port of Brisbane Interim CEO Neil Stephens said this phase of the project was possible thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Port of Brisbane, as part of its annual Community Grants program.
“When the opportunity came up to support Darling Point Special School and the local community through Queensland Rail, we jumped at the chance,” Mr Stephens said.
“We consider ourselves very proud members of the bayside community, and this project has been a fantastic collaboration between many stakeholders all keen to make a positive difference.
“I hope the kids at Darling Point Special School have a great time completing the project. We all look forward to seeing the final outcome.”
Ten students aged between 11 and 17-years-old planted a number of flowering plants in the garden beds over two days in October. They will travel by bus from the school to Wynnum Central station to water and maintain the gardens as often as needed.
Darling Point Special School is located in Manly and has 140 students from Prep to Year 12.
