Nature lovers will be able to explore the stunning Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda—supporting biodiversity and habitat creation for native plants and wildlife—from December.
Minister for Energy, the Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio visited the site on 30 October for a sneak peek at the garden’s highlights, which included a cascading waterfall, billabong, and an impressive array of native Australian plant species. A notable “Waratah sculpture” will be installed in the coming weeks.
The new garden, set to open this summer, converts a section of the former Olinda Golf Course into a stunning botanic garden.
It showcases sustainable design, including solar power and water-wise design, and features over 400 native plant species, including rare and endangered species such as the Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis), which is listed as critically endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, an official press release said.
The “Australian Garden” exhibit, created by designer Phillip Johnson, horticulturalist Wes Fleming and the Trailfinders Team, was the first Australian entry to win Gold and Best in Show at the London RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2013.
Its re-creation is 20 times the size of the original Chelsea Flower Show build and is now almost completed, thanks to a $3.8 million investment from the Andrews Labor Government, $2.2 million from the Federal Government and $340,000 in funds raised by the People and Parks Foundation.
The project follows the Labor Government’s $11 million investment to transform the former Olinda Golf Course into 34 hectares of community parklands as part of the Olinda Precinct Plan, which now has a new sporting oval and nature-based playscape and will soon include upgraded visitor and sporting facilities.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
