We celebrate this garden as a sign of hope, cooperation and stewardship; a place where the earth’s gifts are cultivated, where community is strengthened and where all are welcome.
That was the primary message shared by The Very Reverend Fr Vincent Glynn, Vicar General of the Perth Archdiocese, who recently blessed and opened the Personal Advocacy Service’s (PAS) Community Garden in Morley.
An Acknowledgement of Country led by Donella Brown, Director of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, got the proceedings underway before a large crowd of PAS community members, supporters and well-wishers.
In offering her thanks to all those involved in making the project a reality, Margie Tannock, Acting Director of PAS, said the garden was a testament to and celebration of the contributions of many.
“Thank you to all the wonderful people and volunteers who have contributed to the opening of this beautiful space, particularly Jamie Cameron who has been enormously helpful in getting us to where we are today.
“We’ve also had some amazing community donations – from Bunnings Bayswater, who provided us with building materials for our garden, and the incredible Weeding Women who spent long days in 40-degree heat to make sure everything was, in their words, spick and span.”
Margie also reserved a special note of thanks for the PAS staff and community, Fr Vincent and the support provided by the Archdiocese Chancery staff.
Dr Debra Sayce, Chief of Mission Enhancement and Outreach for the Archdiocese, said “today we open not just a garden, but a living symbol of hope, belonging, and God’s abundant love.”
“This centre has always been a place where people of all abilities are welcomed, valued, and supported to flourish and of course grow in faith. This new garden deepens that mission.
“It offers a space where each person can encounter beauty, find peace, and experience the simple delight of watching something grow. In many ways, it mirrors the work done here every day: patient nurturing, gentle encouragement, and the belief that every person – like every seed – holds extraordinary potential.
“For the people who come to this centre, the garden will be a place of learning, healing, and joy. It will offer opportunities to plant, to harvest, to touch the soil, and to take pride in the work of their hands. It will also be a place where families, staff, and community members can gather, breathe deeply, and rediscover the grace of being present,” she added.
Matt Tranter, Chair of PAS’ Committee of Management, said the garden was the result of PAS’ focus on building relationships with other agencies and groups across the Catholic community.
“Today, we celebrate one of the initiatives that has grown from this effort – a collaboration between Catholic Youth Ministry, our Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing friends, and PAS friends, brought to life through this community garden. The space provided aligns perfectly with the PAS mission of enabling those with intellectual disability to belong, make connections, contribute to, and grow their spirituality through fellowship. Congratulations to everyone involved,” he said.
In his blessing for the garden, Fr Vincent said, “as we bless this garden, we ask God to bless all who tend it, all who are nourished by its produce, and all who are reminded of our shared responsibility to care for creation and for one another.
“I hope that in the future this garden, as it grows and develops, is not just a place to grow food, have fun and gather together as a community, but that somehow it touches those who come to it – in their spirit, in their soul – and that they might experience the sacredness of God in their lives, and the beauty of creation.
“In blessing this earth it changes from an ordinary space to a sacred place, a place where we can encounter God in the beauty of creation, through the crops that may grow and the interactions that take place.
“Bless this garden here at Personal Advocacy Service, the soil, seeds and water that sustain it and bless all who care for it, may their labour be guided by respect for creation and by love for one another.
“May this place be a sign of hope and generosity, where the fruits of the earth are shared, where community is strengthened and all who enter feel welcome and are reminded of your faithful providence,” he prayed.
The PAS Community Garden was established on 21 October 2025 when a group of volunteers and supporters came together to create a space intended to bring people together, promote sustainability, and nurture a sense of belonging.
Since 1989, Personal Advocacy Service has fostered faith-based communities where people with intellectual disabilities can grow, belong, and form lifelong friendships.