The Hinkler Lions Club of Bundaberg has officially unveiled the newly renamed community gardens in honour of well-loved member Ross Ridge.
Club members gathered with friends and family at the site located in Bundaberg North near the Railway Hotel to celebrate Ross's life as they unveiled the sign for the Lion Ross Ridge Gardens.
Hinkler Lions Club President Warren McLucas explained more about the history of the gardens and the significance of Ross's contributions to the organisation.
How and when did the community garden first come about?
The gardens started in 2014, a group of business people including Shelly Pisani invited the Hinkler Lions to help establish gardens on a plot of land behind the Railway Hotel.
Ross Ridge was our rep on this committee.
An agreement was drawn up and Hinkler Lions agreed to tend to the upkeep of the gardens.
Why did the Hinkler Lions Club decide to start a community garden?
To give people who do not have a garden area of their own somewhere to plant and tend to vegetables or flowers or whatever they want, somewhere to go and do so.
Can you tell me a bit more about Ross Ridge and his involvement with the club and community garden?
Ross was there at the start of the project, loved gardening and spent a lot of time on his own planting and weeding.
Ross [joined] Lions in about 1998, was president in 2010, secretary three times, treasurer three times, bulletin editor for six years and web master for four years, as well as other minor roles in the club.
He was a well-respected and loved member of our club and received a James D. Richardson Award in 2013, our top award the Melvin James Award in 2018 and was made a Life Member of Hinkler Lions in 2023.
All well-deserved honours.
Why was it important to the club to rename the garden in recognition of Ross?
To honour an outstanding Lion, who was dedicated to helping others.
How can the community get involved with the garden?
The community can come in anytime and potter around, weed, plant and take home some rewards for themselves, or just sit on the seat an chill.
