Heather Stewart Johnson, the ADRA Cannington Community Garden Matriarch, Retires
When I was sent to oversee ADRA programs at the Western Australian Conference, my attention was drawn to the ADRA Cannington Community Garden. Initially, as someone from a culture where gardening is commonplace, I questioned the need to invest time in a community garden. It wasn't until I engaged with Heather and her team of volunteers that I began to comprehend the deeper significance of the ADRA Cannington Garden.
I soon realised that this garden was more than just a plot of plants. Heather advocates that 'community gardens are about growing people’s consciousness.' This notion aligns with Bill Mollison's belief that 'world problems can be solved in a garden.' Gardening together fostered not only plant growth but also enriched the lives of urban dwellers, making the ADRA Cannington Community Garden a peaceful haven in the bustling City of Canning.
Situated at 142 Wharf St, Cannington WA 6107, adjacent to the Cannington SDA Church, Heather Stewart Johnson, the founding volunteer manager, played a pivotal role in transforming the church grounds into a flourishing vegetable and plant garden. The garden became a melting pot where diverse individuals from Cannington engaged in various tasks in a relaxed environment. It also provided a place for Work-for-Dole and pension clients to connect while embracing Christian values—a rarity in today's society.
At the core of this transformation is Heather. In the two years of working closely with her, several things stand out. Firstly, Heather staunchly believes that urban community gardens are vital for transforming lives in Cannington. She sees these gardens as crucial in reviving individuals and their community engagement. Secondly, Heather's teaching prowess shines through her efforts at the ADRA community garden. She conducts regular training on growing food and nurtures volunteers' skills in organic farming and composting.
Heather's patience with Work-for-Dole clients, often introverted due to community challenges, has led to remarkable transformations and return to work opportunities. Her impact extends beyond the garden, where some volunteers have become supervisors, supporting other struggling individuals in Cannington.
Moreover, Heather fosters interconnectedness through gardening, encouraging diverse groups to unite for the common good. Her efforts have connected people across generations and cultural backgrounds, creating a platform to develop new skills.
Recently, due to the garden's success, Heather was invited to local political meetings, leading to actionable solutions for homelessness. Her dedication to empowering the homeless remains steadfast.
Heather's compassionate outreach and support have earned her the reputation of being the 'hands and feet of Jesus.' While her relocation southward to support her husband means possibly passing her gardening tools at the ADRA Cannington Community Garden, her legacy will endure. We bid farewell to Heather, grateful for her mentorship, friendship, and tireless advocacy for social justice in Cannington. Heather, you will be missed, and we pray for your success in initiating new community programs in South Western Australia. God be with you always!
