On a Monday morning at the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, a small group gathers among thriving garden beds tucked between two of the centre’s buildings. Surrounded by vegetables, herbs and native plants, they come together to learn, share experiences and reconnect with nature through the Grow, Connect, Thrive community garden and workshop series.
Led by local gardener and educator Monika Prins, the project is about far more than growing food. As Monika explains, the garden is also a place where people can grow their confidence, knowledge and connections with others.
“We grow people as much as food,” Monika told DSC For You & Me.
The community garden provides a welcoming outdoor learning space where participants can explore sustainable gardening practices while gaining a deeper understanding of the links between soil health, food production and community wellbeing.
Through a series of workshops, Monika encourages participants to look beyond the garden bed and consider the broader ecosystem that supports healthy communities.
“It is not an isolated thing just to grow food,” she said. “We are part of a bigger system where we take into account soil health, food health and human health.”
The project is helping residents develop practical skills while fostering a stronger appreciation for where food comes from. Monika believes these lessons are becoming increasingly important as communities look to build resilience and improve food security.
“I think there are still far too few people growing food and being aware that food security may become an issue in the future,” she said. “It is especially beneficial for families and children to start growing things when they are young and enjoy the benefits of fresh, homegrown food.”
Beyond the practical benefits, the workshops are creating opportunities for people to connect with each other. Participants share ideas, learn new skills and build relationships that extend beyond the garden gates.
“People are the most important thing in a garden,” Monika said.
“They benefit so much from it. It’s not only for emotional, physical or mental wellbeing. There is also the social component which helps so much.”
The event is supported through the North Queensland Resilience Program – Community Resilience Arts and Wellbeing Funding, helping communities recover following significant challenges.
Since the workshops began, community interest has been strong, with participants embracing the opportunity to learn more about sustainable food production and environmental stewardship.
“I was really amazed by how well received it was,” Monika said. “There is definitely an interest there from people wanting to learn.”
Monika hopes the program will continue to grow and eventually attract more families and young people, helping future generations better understand food production and the natural environment.
“Many children see food in the supermarket but don’t know how it is grown,” she said. “I hope we can attract more families in the future so kids can gain that inspiration and knowledge.”
At its heart, Grow, Connect, Thrive is about strengthening both people and place. By encouraging residents to grow food, share knowledge and build relationships, the project is helping create a more connected and resilient community.
“I would feel very, very blessed and inspired if that would happen,” Monika said when asked about inspiring the next generation of growers.
This initiative is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and administered by the Douglas Shire Council.
