Late husband inspires winner of Palaszczuk Government My Home Award
Published Friday, 02 November, 2018 at 10:46 AM
Minister for Housing and Public Works, Minister for Digital Technology and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Mick de Brenni
An Eagleby green-thumb’s garden inspired by the memory of her late husband has today (Friday) taken out a Palaszczuk Government My Home Award.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni presented 64-year-old Mary Garland, who has lived in her public housing home for nearly 20 years, with her “House Garden Award”.
“The My Home Awards acknowledge the time public housing tenants take in caring for their gardens – and Mary is such a wonderful example of someone who has a lot of pride in where they live,” Mr de Brenni said.
“It’s a real pleasure to present the Logan My Home Award to Mary, whose determination and hard-work have been rewarded by the judges – once again, as she’s taken out other categories over the years”.
Mary Garland said today’s award recognised the work put into the garden by her late husband, Reg.
“The joy of sitting outside and looking at what we’ve done has just been amazing,” she said.
“My husband put in big boulders, a rock fish pond and waterfall, along with banana trees, paw paw trees and a vegie patch - there is just so much that we did.
“Since he passed away last year, I have put in pansies, carnations, daisies and blue tumbled rocks to make it look like water – I keep doing it for Reg because we built this place together and whatever I do is for him as well.
“Two days after I Iost Reg, I contracted double pneumonia and gardening was great therapy for me to get through those tough times.
“Reg and I were avid gardeners and really enjoyed seeing the fruits of our labour,” she said.
Mr de Brenni said 71 of the 844 entries received around the state had been received from the Logan Housing Service Centre region.
He said this was the fourth year the awards had been held since being axed by the LNP and reinstated by the Palaszczuk Government.
“This government believes in treating tenants with respect and giving them an opportunity to be part of their community by showing pride in their homes,” he said.
Other winners included: Suzanne Manego (Courtyard Garden), Geraldine Fitzpatrick (Balcony Garden), Frieda Lazarou (Communal Garden), Rebecca Lynn (New Gardener) and Hemi Karaitiana (Children’s Garden).
He said the My Home Awards, held in 22 Housing Service Centre regions across Queensland, featured eight categories: House Garden, Edible/Bush Tucker Garden, Courtyard Garden, Balcony Garden, Water-wise Garden, New Gardener, Children’s Garden and Communal Garden.
Prize winners received vouchers to the value of $80 for first prize, $50 for runner up and $30 for highly commended. Entrants received a Garden Pack – containing a calico tote bag, planting guide and sunscreen – a certificate and a photo of their garden.
For more information about the 2018 My Home Awards, visit your local Housing Service Centre or log onto the website:
https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/public-community-housing/public-housing-tenants/my-home-awards
ENDS
MEDIA 0412 393 909