Made possible through more than $155,000 in community donations and grants, the project has transformed previously underutilised outdoor areas into a vibrant community hub where residents can reconnect with nature, pursue lifelong interests and spend meaningful time with family and friends.

Wheelchair-accessible pathways now connect the gardens, allowing residents using wheelchairs, walkers and mobility aids to move safely and independently throughout the space. Raised garden beds, native plantings, shaded gathering areas and a thriving chicken enclosure have created an environment that is as practical as it is beautiful.

At the heart of the transformation is the partnership between Cooinda’s remarkable Leisure and Activities Officer Bridie Imms and Home Manager Hannah Liplyn.

Bridie championed the project from the ground up, securing grants, building community partnerships and rallying local support, while Hannah provided leadership and encouragement throughout the journey, helping ensure the project remained focused on what mattered most; creating opportunities for residents to thrive.

Together, they saw the potential to create something much more than a garden.

The Cooinda team want residents to feel that this is their home, not simply a place where they live.

"The garden has created opportunities for residents to continue doing the things they've always enjoyed, whether that's gardening, caring for animals, spending time outdoors or simply sitting with family and friends in a beautiful space."

The impact extends far beyond the physical improvements.

Residents now spend their days tending vegetables, watering herbs, checking on the chickens and enjoying the freedom to move throughout the grounds. For many, the garden has rekindled memories of tending backyard gardens, growing produce for their families and enjoying life outdoors.

"The residents have been involved every step of the way. They've helped plant the gardens, care for the chickens and watch everything grow. The pride they take in the space is wonderful to see."

Residents help grow a variety of herbs and vegetables that are used in cooking activities and incorporated into meals prepared at the home. The raised garden beds ensure residents of all mobility levels can participate in planting, watering and harvesting.

Beyond providing fresh produce, the gardens have become a place for conversation, learning and connection.

"It's given residents a real sense of ownership. They've watched everything grow from the very beginning. They planted the seeds, cared for the gardens and now they're enjoying the rewards of all that hard work."

Residents originally purchased 15 fertilised eggs, expecting that only some would hatch.

To everyone's surprise, all 15 chicks emerged successfully.

The chicks quickly became the stars of Cooinda, with residents eagerly following their progress from hatchlings to healthy hens.

Now six weeks old, they have already become firm favourites among residents and staff. Residents have delighted in watching the chicks grow from tiny hatchlings into energetic young birds, with many making regular visits to check on their progress.

The flock is expected to begin laying eggs later this year. While food safety regulations prevent the eggs from being used within the home, Calvary Cooinda is exploring plans to sell the fresh eggs within the local community, creating an additional fundraising opportunity to support future resident projects and garden improvements.

The chickens have also developed a particular fondness for the herb gardens. Perhaps a little too much fondness!

The intrepid flock has become known for helping themselves to herbs whenever they get the chance, occasionally beating residents to the harvest.

As a result, the next project is already taking shape.

Plans are underway to create dedicated herb gardens for both residents and chickens, with elevated herb beds reserved for cooking activities and resident projects, while separate chicken-friendly herb gardens will allow the flock to enjoy their favourite treats without decimating the harvest.

"It's become a bit of a running joke. The chickens absolutely love the herbs. We just need to make sure there are enough left for the residents as well."

Residents are discussing welcoming fluffy ornamental chicken breeds to the flock as the roosters become apparent.

Bridie has said “When we can distinguish between the hens and the roosters, we will be able to swap out the roosters for Silkies or Pekin Bantams, as they are still too young to tell them apart and we have about five months before the roosters start to crow and wake up the neighborhood, the residents have become very attached to these chickens as they have watched them grow since they have first hatched, but would like to see some fun cute fluffy ones in the mix as well”.

For Bridie, however, the greatest achievement isn't the vegetables, the pathways or even the chickens. It's about giving people purpose, creating opportunities for connection and helping residents feel at home.

“Every day you see people out here smiling, talking, gardening or checking on the chickens. That's the real success of this project. When you see residents showing visitors the vegetables they've grown, introducing them to the chickens or sharing stories about the garden, you realise this space has become something very special. It truly feels like part of their home."

What began as an ambitious idea has become one of Calvary Cooinda's most treasured spaces; a place where community, wellbeing and connection continue to grow every day.