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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-21/bhutanese-community-farm-fighting-loneliness-and-giving-back/103735400>
'Sitting by the banks of the Murray River in north-eastern Victoria is an
outcrop of plants and colour, surrounded by grazing cattle and native birds.
Discovering this collection of miniature paddocks and garden beds, complete
with shady lanes and climbing vegetables, would surprise any wandering tourist,
who might feel like they have entered a tranquil farming village in south Asia.
It is this peace which Bhutanese Community Farm secretary Harka Bista credits
with improving the mental health of his large Bhutanese community in the
region, many of whom moved from an agrarian lifestyle to the concrete and
asphalt suburbs of country Victoria.
"We realised that most of our community was coming from an agricultural
background and so the idea to start a farm came," Mr Bista said.
"We wanted to rid ourselves from mental health issues and trauma, particularly
for those who had trauma coming from a refugee background.
"It was important that people have a social connection with each other, to
share produce and share our culture.
"We go to work and come back here afterwards to sit and share among each other
how they grew food back in Bhutan, and share those tips and ideas."'
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
