By Nicole Williams
DANDENONG’S Pop-Up-Park trainees will soon have another skill under their belts.
Flemings Nursery in Monbulk supplied discounted trees and plant stock for the project and now will also share tips to the trainees to help with planting and establishing the trees.
“Flemings welcomed the opportunity to teach the trainees, with a view to improving Dandenong’s urban environment and supporting the wider community objectives of the Pop-Up-Park project,” Chris Bracher from Flemings Nursery said.
The park is expected to be completed this year and will feature two small sided outdoor synthetic soccer pitches, barbecue facilities and a community garden.
VicUrban development director Christopher Hermann said Mission Australia’s 24 trainees were already constructing the Pop-Up-Park as part of the Revitalising Central Dandenong initiative.
“The planting experience will add to the skills the group is accumulating in building and construction,” Mr Hermann said.
Mission Australia urban renewal manager Chris Hawken said the trainees would develop skills and knowledge which could lead to future jobs or apprenticeships.
“The program is building extremely valuable self-confidence and vocational skills in 22 men and two women including early school leavers, Year 12 graduates, previously unemployed and one 50-year-old,” said Mr Hawken.
The project is funded by a $608,000 grant from the Australian Government Jobs Fund and a $480,000 Victorian Community Support Grant from the Department of Planning and Community Development.
