Environment group celebrates Autumn with garden feast

THE Gloucester Environment Group (GEG) held its first seasonal feast of 2026 at the Minimbah Gardens in Gloucester District Park on Sunday, 29 March.

Sixteen GEG members enjoyed Gloucester’s first touch of Autumn with the sharing of a lunchtime variety of dishes prepared from home.

“The setting was perfect,” said Gloucester Environment Group president Tibor Kovats.

The feast took place days after a dozen GEG members, who support its Rivercare program, worked at clearing weeds from the Minimbah Gardens site.

This work assisted regular custodian Julie Hardy who, with her parents Barry and Nita Hardy, envisioned and helped build the Gardens.

The Gardens were opened in 2003 to help promote a better understanding of the Aboriginal history and culture in the Gloucester region and to showcase indigenous plants.

Indigenous groups use the site for cultural practices from time to time.

In 2020, GEG, in association with Bucketts Neighbourhood Centre – which was successful in obtaining a government grant – undertook much needed rejuvenation of the area.

“Flooding has had an impact on infrastructure such as steps and balustrades next to the billabong but there is much to enjoy,” said Tibor.

“The emphasis on planting has been on naturally occurring species, including plants that Indigenous people used for food and materials to survive in nature.

“Works of art such as log carvings and hand painted timber are inspiring.

“If you can get the Gardens to yourself or ideally share it with the many native bird species that visit, you have the chance to reflect on why the Gardens were created and what function it serves.

“The word ‘minimbah’ can translate to ‘place of learning’.

“The signage erected when the Gardens were established mentions respect, sustainability, peace and serenity.

“Gloucester residents and its visitors should be thankful for the vision and the effort that has gone into creating and nurturing of this beautiful space.”