Twelve Brimbank mums are part of the latest group of migrant women to take part in a Government House gardening program.
The ‘Peace and Prosperity Kitchen Garden Program,’ was formed by previous Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau who wanted to open up Government House to a wider section of the community.
The program runs over four weeks, with the first week including a tour of Government House and a meeting with the governor.
As part of the program, women cook meals using ingredients from the house’s garden, participate in planting and flower arranging activities, and learn about the Government House garden and its history.
AMES Australia Community Hub support coordinator Marta Makkai said Ms Dessau created the program to allow everyday Victorians to have access to tGovernment House, rather than just a privileged few.
“A lot of migrants and refugees come from places where their interaction with, and experience of government is very different to what we know in Australia. So part of the aim of the program is to show that in Australia, government is not something to be afraid of,” Ms Makkai said.
Ms Makkai said the program also provided emotional support, and practical benefits and opportunities for the women.
“The program is an opportunity for the women to come together and practice their English for two or three hours,” she said.
“They learn about gardening, they get to propagate seeds and they take seedlings home. We have seen them form amazing relationships and go on to support each other in the long term.
“It is also a respite for many of the participants. They may be looking after large families or have suffered difficulties. This gives them some time to themselves and to connect with other women and find support,” she said.
Indian migrant and program participant Soman Kaur Sagho said the program gave her a window on Australia’s multiculturalism.
“It was a great experience meeting the women and getting to know about their cultures,” she said.
“Also, it was lovely to sit together and share stories with people from different cultures and to learn about traditional foods and the role food plays in culture.”
