By Taylah Eastwell
From humble beginnings as a nursery tucked away in the foothills of the Dandenongs, Mount Evelyn’s Yarra View Nursery has flourished and grown into a successful social enterprise providing employment to over 130 locals – 85 of whom have an intellectual disability.
Run by disability service provider Knoxbrooke Enterprises, the nursery began as a small activity to entertain people with disabilities and now produces 2 and a half million plants each year. The organisations growing success has seen it expand from 12 to 27 acres and from 1 site to 3, having recently purchased a second Mount Evelyn nursery known as Bushland Flora.
The organisation is bound to keep flourishing, with a recent Federal Government grant of $125,000 allowing Knoxbrooke to explore what other opportunities are available to continue providing work for those with disabilities.
CEO of Knoxbrooke, Kristian Dauncey told the Mail the funding would be used to find further ways to employ people living with disabilities in Mount Evelyn, Wandin and surrounds.
“We have a waiting list of people wanting to work for us and our issue is providing employment for everyone. This grant will allow us to continue to grow to meet that demand,” Mr Dauncey said.
“We know that there is a need for social enterprises like Yarra View Nursery. There are so many people with disabilities who would love a job if given the opportunity.
Liberal Member for Casey, Tony Smith said Knoxbrooke are making a practical difference in people’s lives.
“Knoxbrooke’s Yarra View Nursery in Mount Evelyn is doing some great work. It is exciting they’re looking to expand,” he said.
According to Mr Dauncey, the grant was quite challenging to apply for but Knoxbrooke was pleased to find out they had been successful in receiving the funding.
“We will now work with Social Ventures Australia and potential funders and philanthropists to explore what else we can do to provide further employment opportunities in the nursery space,” Mr Dauncey said.
