| The establishment of the garden resulted
from a public meeting, convened by the local
Council in 1991, to decide appropriate means by
which to commemorate the centenary of the
township of Morwell.
A Community Steering Committee, made up of
volunteer citizens was appointed in February
1992.
The site, a disused former railway cutting,
was made available by Council.
Planning and work commenced immediately.
Following ten months of hard work by a group of
local volunteers,
along with generous support from many local
business people and organisations, the garden
was opened to the public in November of that
year.
Progressive plantings and improvements have
been made to bring the garden up to its current
standard.
Construction costs and ongoing maintenance
expenditure have been met in part by means of a
small annual grant from Latrobe City Council.
The remaining estimated 75% has been derived
from the Community by way of management, design,
services, materials, funds and man power.
However. the single most important
contribution to the garden is not financial, it
is the hours of caring voluntary labour provided
by our "Friends of the Garden" Group.
Apart from the general Community, considerable
support has been received from industrial and
business organisations along
with service clubs within the area. Persons
serving out Community Based Court orders and a
local Trade Apprentice Training
Organisation have made a very significant
contribution, both in the construction and
initial maintenance aspects.
We have also received exceptional support
from rose breeders and suppliers whose donations
and expertise have been much appreciated.
The Rose Society of Victoria and in
particular former President Barry Johnson who
set out the design of the garden, have also been
very supportive in all phases of development.
Up until the year 20 00
the Garden Committee of Management and the
"Friends of the Garden" assumed all aspects of
development, maintenance and promotion of the
garden.
At that time the Committee entered into an
agreement which passed on lawn maintenance and
weeding responsibilities to Latrobe City
Council. Apart from that, the Friends and
Committee manage all other maintenance,
operational and promotional activities.
The Morwell Centenary Rose Garden is a source of
immense pride and is promoted as an outstanding
example of what a community can achieve with
co-operation, hard work and determination.
It is well utilised by the community for
photographs, wedding ceremonies, family
reunions, remembrance ceremonies, and musical
recitals.
A True example of
a Community Garden
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