Warren has always had a love for growing things. His family’s farming heritage goes back generations, and today that passion is alive in the colourful communal garden he cares for at his Coast2Bay housing complex.
After experiencing serious accidents that affected his health, Warren had to leave behind heavy work and the farming lifestyle he knew so well. In 2013, he moved to the Sunshine Coast for a fresh start. Rising rents and living costs made life challenging, so Warren sought help through a regional Housing Service Centre and applied to the Queensland Government’s social housing register. Eventually, he found a home managed by Coast2Bay, a centrally located studio unit that gave him stability and a sense of belonging.
“I checked out the place and thought, this is great! Planting up the gardens with flowers, fruits and herbs helps me connect with fellow residents too.”
Today, Warren is an active member of his community. He grows seasonal greens, passionfruit vines, citrus trees, and chillies that he shares with neighbours for their Thai recipes. He also joins communal cook ups in the shared kitchen, shares meals with friends, and helps others get to appointments.
“I love keeping busy and growing whatever I can here. The gardens build a stronger sense of community for everyone. I feel that I’ve been given a home, so this is my way of giving back.”
Through his care and generosity, Warren has turned a simple garden into a space where people connect and feel welcome, a true reflection of what community means.
