Homegrown happiness

Published: 

6 December 2024 2:13PM

Gomeroi man Chris has called Proserpine home for 2 years.

‘Oh, I love me little unit, mate, and this mob around here.’

As part of the 2023 My Home Awards, Chris won first prize for the What My Home Means to Me category and was named runner-up for the Edible Garden category in the Mackay region.

‘It’s nice and quiet. I’m tucked away down here with my chooks – Peanut, Annie and Boss, my goldfish Gilbert and my veggie garden. The neighbours are lovely,’ Chris said.

His lush veggie garden, which provides not only for himself but also for his neighbours, showcases the sense of connection and self-sufficiency he’s cultivated in Proserpine. Living in this close-knit community has brought Chris a sense of peace and purpose. He enjoys being able to share the fruits (and veggies) of his labour.

‘With the price of food these days, I grow enough for me and to share with the 4 old ladies here. We socialise and get along, and they’re always baking me up something – cakes, bikkies, scones. They’re lovely old girls. It’s a good set-up.’

He laughed when describing how Peanut, Annie and Boss keep him in eggs but sometimes test his patience.

‘I think they know their names because when they’re in the veggie garden and I rouse on them, they run. They’re naughty girls when they want to be! They think they’re gardeners, mate!’

Chris’ garden and his simple, fulfilling life are a testament to the power of community and the joy that comes from nurturing both the land and the people around him.

My Home Awards

The My Home Awards celebrate connections to home, community and culture and the positive contributions of Queensland public housing tenants.

The awards encourage tenants to keep active, connect with their neighbours and community, and share their stories and creativity.

If you or someone you know needs housing help

Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or contact your local Housing Service Centre.

If you are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, contact the Homeless Hotline for free on 1800 474 753 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Find out more about housing help and support.