Celebrating the Volunteers Behind the Melton Botanic Garden

Robin, a volunteer with the Friends of Melton Botanic Garden, shares his experience creating a welcoming space for all through his hands-on contributions.

Story by  
April 17, 2025

Nestled in the heart of Melton is the Melton Botanic Garden - a vibrant and much-loved space that draws in locals and visitors alike. The Garden showcases a diverse range of native and exotic plants, as well as offering expansive lawns and serene walking paths for all to enjoy. 

Such a beautiful landscape, however, is only made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers, including Robin Stewart, whose efforts ensure the garden thrives all year round.

Originally from Western Australia, Robin moved to Melton eight years ago. Since then, Robin has become a key volunteer at the Garden, contributing to a variety of tasks as an ‘Odd Jobber’, one of several dedicated volunteer groups within The Friends of Melton Botanic Garden. As an Odd Jobber, Robin and his group look after anything that breaks, needs fixing, or requires digging. Recently, Robin and his fellow volunteers have been building a gazebo and installing new seating throughout the Garden.

“We’re proud of what we did with the seats. We get a lot of people saying that they’re valuable and that they like where they’re located.” shares Robin. “Most of them have a plaque on them so they’re family donated. It means a lot to the family to use the seats and have people chat with them.” The Garden now has around 80 seats, as well as picnic tables which are all wheelchair-friendly.

A seat made from recycled plastic which has been donated by the Australian Plant Society - Melton & Bacchus Marsh.

“We don’t know how long we’re going to be here, so the idea is that everything we do is going to be self-perpetuating"

The Friends of Melton Botanic Garden is a volunteer program designed to suit a wide range of interests and abilities. Volunteers can choose from groups like the Lakers, Creekers, Gumnuts, and Safaris, whereby each group focuses on different fields of work, from gardening and mulching to general maintenance. 

Robin dedicates four hours a week to volunteering, and he emphasises the importance of teamwork and fun in the process. “People are always making sure that you’re having a good time. We also make sure everyone is safe and works properly.” Volunteers receive regular First Aid and safety training to ensure everyone can work safely and effectively, especially when handling power tools.

Sustainability is a big thing at the Garden. Robin highlights the use of recycled materials at the Garden, with seats made from recycled plastic bags and an old bus shelter used in the nursery.  “We don’t know how long we’re going to be here, so the idea is that everything we do is going to be self-perpetuating.” Robin says. The volunteers also facilitate ongoing clean ups to ensure that the beauty and cleanliness of the Garden is maintained.

A red painted tree, an iconic structure, standing tall amongst garden beds of red-flowering aloe.

“My favourite thing about volunteering at the gardens is working with the people and having fun"

Membership in the Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden starts from only $5 a year, ensuring that the garden remains accessible to everyone. In return, members get discounts on plants, access to monthly meetings with guest speakers, and the opportunity to engage in the garden’s ongoing development. With around 400 members and 80 active volunteers, the Garden has certainly cultivated a strong community of locals and plant-lovers. 

For Robin, the Melton Botanic Garden has become a place where he’s able to connect with others, contribute to the community, and enjoy the outdoors. “My favourite thing about volunteering at the gardens is working with the people and having fun,” he says with a smile.

Robin’s story is a reminder of the power of giving back and being involved in community. To check out what activities, events and works are happening at the Garden, you can head over to Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden’s website here. There, you can also find information on how to get started with volunteering.

Robin and two other Odd Jobbers mulching around a picnic table, which has been made from recycled plastic.
Cathy is a passionate storyteller from Good News Melton, drawing from her experiences in community services and local government to inspire and uplift her community.

Nestled in the heart of Melton is the Melton Botanic Garden - a vibrant and much-loved space that draws in locals and visitors alike. The Garden showcases a diverse range of native and exotic plants, as well as offering expansive lawns and serene walking paths for all to enjoy. 

Such a beautiful landscape, however, is only made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers, including Robin Stewart, whose efforts ensure the garden thrives all year round.

Originally from Western Australia, Robin moved to Melton eight years ago. Since then, Robin has become a key volunteer at the Garden, contributing to a variety of tasks as an ‘Odd Jobber’, one of several dedicated volunteer groups within The Friends of Melton Botanic Garden. As an Odd Jobber, Robin and his group look after anything that breaks, needs fixing, or requires digging. Recently, Robin and his fellow volunteers have been building a gazebo and installing new seating throughout the Garden.

“We’re proud of what we did with the seats. We get a lot of people saying that they’re valuable and that they like where they’re located.” shares Robin. “Most of them have a plaque on them so they’re family donated. It means a lot to the family to use the seats and have people chat with them.” The Garden now has around 80 seats, as well as picnic tables which are all wheelchair-friendly.

Cathy La
is a journalist at Good News Melton. She ipsum ultricies aptent sollicitudin est congue. You can find her stories here.

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