Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

April 6 to 10, 2005 - Royal Exhibition Buildings & Carlton Gardens

HORTICULTURE students from Kangan Batman TAFE have joined forces with Plan - a child centred aid agency - to design an Asian garden featuring a working replica of a rice de-husker at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

Plan Australia national executive director Ian Wishart said the partnership highlights Plan's youth participation and vocational skills training focus - two main components of many of Plan's programs in developing communities.

"Plan has helped a number of rural Vietnamese communities set up a rice de-husker, which is a fantastic labour-saving device, especially for women who previously spent long hours de-husking rice. The device means they have more time to devote to their children, gain livelihood skills or run small businesses which are often started with microfinance loans funded by Plan," Mr Wishart said.

Kangan Batman TAFE horticulture coordinator Jeff Alcock said 20 horticulture students will work on the design and construction including building the working replica of the rice de-husker. "The students will be growing Asian vegetables and using recycled timbers including old power poles to build the device," he said.

With just a photo and sketches supplied by Plan Vietnam program staff, Mr Alcock said the students are confident they will be able to recreate and operate the de-husker made mostly of heavy timber.

Timber garden construction skills are a speciality of Kangan Batman's horticulture students, and as well as the Plan 'Asian Garden' display, the students will have their own stand. "The students have put together innovative ways to use timber decking and other timber garden features in a contemporary landscape design," Mr Alcock said.

"They are really excited about designing and constructing both these stands as it gives them an opportunity to showcase their skills to the horticulture industry and to the general public," he added.

Visitors to the Plan 'Asian Garden' stand will learn about sustainable development techniques used by Plan-assisted communities in Asia. The Plan display also includes market stalls filled with exotic Asian vegetables and fruits. And as visitors view the garden and learn about Plan's work, they can also sample refreshing Asian tea.

Mr Alcock said Kangan Batman TAFE is committed to protecting the environment and recently signed a sustainability covenant with the Environmental Protection Authority (Victoria). The TAFE also has a reputation for its Work For The Dole program and runs more than 25 successful projects. A high proportion of students gain employment after completing the Certificate II in Horticulture.

Heather Ellis
Plan Australia Media Officer
Phone: 03 9672 3652
Mobile: 0425 720 193

Jeff Alcock
Kangan Batman TAFE
Phone: 03 9279 2222
Mobile: 0421 050 724