CCG Horticulture Students Create Tranquil Garden for Warragul RSL Veterans and Family Centre
Warragul RSL has officially opened its Baw Baw Veterans and Family Centre, and the celebration was made even more special through a unique collaboration with Community College Gippsland (CCG).
Certificate II in Horticulture students, under the guidance of trainer Tony Bundock, transformed a previously bare area into a peaceful outdoor space for veterans and their families. The garden includes a gravel base, raised planters with a variety of plants, and will soon feature a water element, creating a calm and reflective environment.
“The project not only provided a serene environment for the RSL but also offered hands-on learning opportunities for our students,” said Tony Bundock. “They were able to apply their horticultural skills, teamwork, and problem-solving in a real-world community project.”
A True Community Collaboration
Ben Vahland, Manager of the Baw Baw Veterans and Family Centre, reflected on the project:
“At Warragul RSL, we are always excited and proud to collaborate with other community groups. We know firsthand how incredibly supportive our local community is, and this was evident when we had the pleasure of working with students and staff from CCG on a very special project. The students, guided by their teacher Tony, helped design and create a tranquil garden space for our new Veterans and Family Centre. Their design was thoughtful and creative, and it was wonderful to see their vision come to life.
On the day, the students worked incredibly hard, showing real dedication and teamwork to bring the project to completion. This beautiful garden will provide a peaceful, welcoming environment for veterans and their families for many years to come – a place of reflection, healing, and connection.
I felt truly privileged to be present while the students were working. It also gave me the opportunity to speak with them about the important role the new Centre will play in supporting veterans in our community. The students were genuinely engaged and interested, which was heartening to see.
We thank CCG for this meaningful collaboration, and especially the students, for their effort, respect, and enthusiasm throughout the project.”
Supporting Learning and Community
This initiative highlights how partnerships between education providers and community organisations can create meaningful learning experiences for students while delivering lasting benefits for the community. Projects like these enable students to develop practical skills, teamwork, and problem-solving in real-world settings, all while contributing positively to their local community.
Community members, educators, and organisations are invited to connect with Community College Gippsland to explore opportunities for future collaborations and student-led projects.