“HERBIE” has found a new home and garden lovers in Warrnambool couldn’t be happier.
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The red Parklander ride-on-mower is the latest addition to be welcomed at the city’s collective outdoor patch thanks to Warrnambool City Council infrastructure funding and local donations.
Warrnambool Community Garden convenor Julie Eagles said the new equipment was named in honour of councillor Tony Herbert who kicked off the fundraising campaign for the impressive mower.
“Herbie is very sturdy, solid and will last the distance,” she said.
“He also has his own trailer to move things around the site.”
Mrs Eagles said the size of the grounds meant Herbie would be a welcome assistant.
“The grounds are just over two hectares,” she said.
“This work used to be done with hand-mowers and occasional slashing.
“Herbie will lighten our work manager’s load immensely.”
The mower was showcased to councillors on Friday, together with completed upgrades to the community gardens’ main building.
Works included a new roof over the verandah, the upgrade of security lighting and a new double-glazed window.
The improvements were the result of city council infrastructure grants allocated in the 2016/17 financial year.
“We wanted to show the councillors what we’d achieved with the funding,” Mrs Eagles said. “So we invited them all to the garden for an unveiling of sorts.
“And we thought Tony had better have the first ride on Herbie.”
Volunteers at the community garden now hope to complete this year’s project of improving accessibility of the site for all-abilities.
The Warrnambool Community Garden was formed in 2006 in response to a desire to create a space where people could meet and enjoy the many benefits of gardening.
It is located on Grieve Street and currently has a membership of more than 80 with 52 plots.