To help flood-affected residents restore their gardens to their most envied state, Ms Thomson will host ‘Gardening After Floods’, a Resilience in Recovery workshop, on Thursday, October 19.
Attendees will gain valuable insights on garden restoration techniques, plant selection and soil rejuvenation while addressing the specific challenges faced due to floods.
Though it’s been almost a year since a flood-struck Greater Shepparton transitioned from response to recovery, council flood recovery manager Carla Dixon said recovery was ongoing.
“At the highest level, (this workshop) is a great demonstration of a community-led and government-assisted flood recovery initiative that will intertwine environmental and social recovery outcomes,” she said.
“We understand that rebuilding your gardens and green spaces is a crucial step in the recovery process, and our aim is for community members to be provided with knowledge, skills and resources to build back the natural environment in their homes.
“For (the idea) to come from a community member is also really special.”
Ms Dixon said local resident Vicki Woodhouse was inspired to bring Ms Thomson to the region after seeing her host workshops in other Australian communities affected by natural disasters.
In terms of flood recovery, the team at Resilience in Recovery has significant outcomes it hopes the event will deliver — one being social connection.
“We want people to know they’re not alone. Unfortunately, there are many people in similar situations, but we can come together through an informal network and build social support,” Ms Dixon said.
“(Resilience in Recovery events) is an acknowledgment that there’re still lots of people heavily in the early stages of the 2022 October floods recovery.”
Gardening After Floods with Sophie Thomson is on Thursday, October 19 from 9.30am to 2.30pm at The Connection, 7287 Midland Hwy, Shepparton.
To register for the free event, visit https://www.trybooking.com/CLJSK
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.
Further Resilience in Recovery events include:
- 100 Cuppas — Weekly community support drop-in sessions providing an opportunity to connect directly with service providers. Held every Tuesday during October. Two sessions available — one at the Shepparton Senior Citizens Centre and one at a Taste of Capri in Mooroopna.
- Warren Davies: The Unbreakable Farmer — Warren will share stories about overcoming all odds during this motivational event. Sessions will be in Undera, Murchison and Tallygaroopna from October 23 to 25. For more information, visit https://www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.au/
- An evening with Dr Rob Gordon — On Thursday, November 2, Dr Rob Gordon will be at Bill and Beat’s, Mooroopna, to address those affected by floods, covering topics such as navigating the second year of recovery and preparing for potential future events.
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