The Green Futures Project
NDIS Gardening & Skill-Building Program – Gold Coast
The Green Futures Project is a structured NDIS gardening program on the Gold Coast designed for participants who enjoy plants, growing food, and hands-on learning. Through supported gardening activities, participants build confidence, routine, and practical life skills in a calm and purpose-driven environment.
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This small-group program combines therapeutic, nature-based activity with structured skill development, making it ideal for participants who benefit from predictable routines and meaningful engagement.
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Participants are supported to propagate, care for, and grow a range of indoor plants, vegetables, herbs, and fruit, while building confidence, independence, and routine through meaningful, hands-on activity, without pressure or productivity targets.
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The program is guided by a qualified horticulturalist alongside experienced support workers, ensuring participants receive high quality instruction, encouragement, and individualised support.
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Participation is flexible and tailored to each person’s interests, abilities, and NDIS goals, allowing participants to engage at their own pace and in ways that feel safe, achievable, and rewarding.
When the group runs:
The Green Futures Project runs every Thursday from 9:00am to 1:00pm on the Gold Coast.
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Participants attend on a consistent weekly basis, allowing them to build routine, responsibility, and confidence over time.
What We Do:
Participants in this NDIS gardening program are supported to engage in structured, hands-on gardening activities that promote skill development, routine, and supported community participation.
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Depending on interest and ability, participants may be involved in:
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planting seeds, cuttings, and seedlings
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learning how plants grow and what they need to stay healthy
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preparing and mixing different growing media, including soil, coir, compost, and potting mixes
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potting, repotting, and transplanting plants as they grow
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watering, feeding, and monitoring plant health
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identifying common pests, diseases, and plant stress
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harvesting vegetables and edible plants when ready
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preparing plants for sale, display, or personal use
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using tools and equipment safely and appropriately
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cleaning, organising, and maintaining shared workspaces
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working independently or alongside others, depending on comfort level
Participation is always optional, and tasks are adapted to suit each participant’s abilities, confidence, and support needs on the day. There is no pressure to perform, keep pace with others, or complete specific tasks.
Skill Development & Theraputic Benefits
As a small-group NDIS gardening program on the Gold Coast, The Green Futures Project supports the development of practical, transferable skills that enhance independence and everyday functioning.
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Through participation, individuals may build:
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fine motor skills through planting, potting, and handling materials
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attention, focus, and task persistence through ongoing plant care
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routine and responsibility by caring for plants over time
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confidence and self-esteem by seeing plants grow, thrive, and progress
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emotional regulation through calm, repetitive, hands-on activities
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personal and environmental hygiene, as well as workspace awareness, through shared tasks
These skills can support greater independence and confidence across a range of settings, including future training, volunteering, or workplace environments, where appropriate.
Participants are encouraged to recognise their own progress, celebrate small achievements, and develop pride in the work they contribute to the program.
Skill development varies for each participant and is guided by individual goals, interests, capacity, and support needs.
Interaction With the Community
As part of The Green Futures Project, participants may also have opportunities to:
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interact with members of the community visiting the hub
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practise communication and basic customer service skills
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talk about their plants and their role in the group
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experience positive, supported social interactions
All interactions are guided and supported. Participants are never expected to engage beyond their comfort level.
Funding
Participation in The Green Futures Project is funded through participants’ NDIS plans.
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Support time is charged at appropriate ratios depending on the number of participants in attendance.
Support is typically claimed under:
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Core Supports – Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation
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Capacity Building – Increased Social and Community Participation
Claims are made in line with individual goals and plan structures.
The Green Futures Project is a dedicated skill-building and social group. It is not an employment program.
Why Plants are Sold
Some plants grown during The Green Futures Project are sold locally to help cover the ongoing costs of running the group.
This includes items such as:
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plants and propagation materials
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soil, pots, lights & equipment
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general supplies required to keep the activity running
All plant sales are used to support the continuation and sustainability of the group.
Our Approach to Growing & Sharing
While some plants and produce grown through The Green Futures Project are sold to help support and sustain the program, participant wellbeing and choice always come first.
Participants are encouraged to take plants home to care for where this suits their goals and interests, supporting independence and pride in their achievements.
Plants and produce that remain within the program are grown on and cared for collectively in our garden spaces, with participants actively involved in every stage; from planting and maintenance through to harvesting (and then eating!).
Participants are welcome to take home produce they have helped grow, supporting healthy routines, food skills, and a strong sense of ownership and accomplishment.
This balanced approach ensures The Green Futures Project remains sustainable, ethical, and focused on meaningful outcomes for every participant.
Important Information
Participation is flexible
Participants can engage at their own pace
Capacity building focus
The Green Futures Project supports the development of practical life skills, confidence, and routine through meaningful, supported activity.
Not an employment program
The group helps build skills that may be useful in future training or workplace settings, but it is not an employment pathway.
Individual and goal-based
Skill development is guided by each participant’s interests, capacity, and NDIS goals.