About us News Community Celebrates 50 Years of Botanic Gardens with New Food Forest at Urangan Community Wellness Centre The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC) is thrilled to announce the successful establishment of a Food Forest at the Urangan Community Wellness Centre, coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of the nearby Botanic Gardens. Tanya Stevenson, HBNC CEO, said this initiative reflected HBNC’s commitment to promoting health, sustainability, and community engagement. "This initiative embodies the spirit of collaboration and education," Tanya said. "We are proud to contribute to the legacy of the Botanic Gardens and to create a sustainable space that will benefit our community for years to come." Over the past six months, numerous volunteers and community members have come together to participate in workshops focused on permaculture, co-planting, and food sustainability. Guided by experienced facilitators, participants have worked diligently to cultivate a vibrant and diverse food forest that will serve as a living example of sustainable practices and community collaboration. The Food Forest is not just a garden; it’s a thriving ecosystem designed to provide fresh produce, enhance biodiversity, and foster a deeper connection between community members and the environment. This project aligns seamlessly with the health outcomes of the Urangan Community Wellness Centre, promoting nutrition and wellbeing for all who visit. A special thank you to the Wide Bay Rodders who have invested in this initiative from the beginning of the upgrades to the Urangan Community Wellness Centre. For more information about the Food Forest project, please get in touch.