Celebrating our Healthway Partnership
Permaculture Partnerships
Program Launch
Growing Connections, Growing Communities
There was a real sense of excitement in the air as GFS Perth officially launched its Healthway-supported Permaculture Partnerships Pilot Program at Swan View Uniting Church on Sunday 19 July 2026.
With the winter sun shining, more than just a garden was celebrated. The launch marked the beginning of a growing network of friendships, partnerships and community connections that are already transforming the space into a vibrant hub where people can learn together, volunteer together and build healthier lives together.
Guests from across government, local government, community organisations and the local neighbourhood came together to celebrate the occasion, including Michelle Maynard MLA, Member for Swan Hills, Jo Cicchini and Matt Woods, Councillors from the Shire of Mundaring, representatives from Ellenbrook Men’s Shed, Bendigo Bank, Swan Community Connect, 88.5FM, members of Swan View Uniting Church, together with GFS Perth Board members, staff, volunteers and many members of the local community.
As visitors wandered through the flourishing demonstration gardens, conversations blossomed just as readily as the vegetables. Ideas were exchanged, new relationships were formed and old friendships strengthened, perfectly reflecting the vision behind the project.
The gardens themselves were a highlight. From colourful raised beds and thriving winter crops to creative waterwise demonstrations and child-friendly touches, guests were able to experience how permaculture can become a practical tool for building healthier people, healthier communities and a healthier environment.
Following the garden tour, everyone gathered to enjoy a relaxed light lunch, giving people from different organisations and backgrounds the opportunity to continue conversations and explore future collaborations.
For GFS Perth CEO Alison Gilchrist, the day represented far more than the official opening of a new program.
“Friendship doesn’t just happen, it grows when we intentionally create places where people feel welcome, valued and able to contribute. This partnership with Healthway is helping us create exactly that: a place where people can grow food, grow confidence, grow skills and, most importantly, grow friendships. It was wonderful to finally celebrate this milestone with so many people who share that vision.”
GFS Perth extends its sincere thanks to Healthway for investing in an initiative that recognises the powerful connection between social connection, wellbeing and the natural environment.
The organisation also thanks everyone who joined the celebration, from community leaders and partner organisations to volunteers, church members and local residents.
Every conversation, every helping hand and every new connection made on the day demonstrated exactly what the program hopes to achieve. Because at GFS Perth, we believe the best gardens don’t simply grow vegetables.
They grow healthier communities, one friendship at a time.