Invisible Injuries- Mental health ambassadors

Come Try Horticulture is a small-group, supportive program designed for veterans, first responders, and their support people to reconnect through purposeful outdoor activity. No pressure. No expectations. Just time, space, and something meaningful to work on together. A hands-on wellbeing experience through nature, routine, and connection Come Try Horticulture Enroll me
WHAT IS COME TRY HORTICULTURE? Come Try Horticulture offers a down-to-earth introduction to horticulture in a calm, structured environment. Participants take part in hands-on gardening activities while building routine, confidence, and connection — with the environment, with others, and with themselves. This program isn’t about productivity or performance. It’s about showing up, slowing down, and creating space to reset.
WHY HORTICULTURE? Working with plants, soil and being in nature can support wellbeing by: Encouraging grounding and nervous system regulation Creating routine and structure Building confidence through tangible outcomes Supporting low-pressure, natural connection Providing time away from noise, screens, and stress No experience is required. Everything is guided and participation is always optional.
Don’t miss out on this incredible program! Register and secure your free spot. Enroll me
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR? This program is open to: Veterans First responders Immediate support people You don’t need to be “good at gardening.” You don’t need to talk if you don’t want to. You just need to turn up.
IS THIS FOR YOU? This program may be a good fit if: You’re navigating mental or physical health challenges You’re rebuilding routine, confidence, or direction You want purposeful activity without pressure You’re curious about working outdoors or with plants You’re exploring what’s next — without needing answers There’s no expectation to move into work or study. This is about exposure, confidence, and possibility, at your pace.
Tuesdays, 0900 AM - 1400 PM 141 King Rd, Oakford WA 6121 Australian Native Nursery PROGRAM DETAILS Each cohort runs for five consecutive Tuesdays. Cohort 1 24 February – 24 March Cohort 2 5 May – 2 June Cohort 3 28 July – 25 August Cohort 4 29 October – 27 November Places are limited to maintain a safe, supportive group size.
✅ Enrollments now open for cohort 1 Enroll me
Australian Native Nursery Australian Native Nurseries is a long- established specialist nursery focused on Australian native plants, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Owned and operated by Nancy Slade, the nursery is built on a strong belief in the connection between people, plants, and place. Nancy is a passionate advocate for the therapeutic and restorative benefits of working with nature, and supports programs that use hands-on horticulture to improve wellbeing, confidence, and connection. Australian Native Nurseries provides a real, working nursery environment — allowing participants to engage with plants in a meaningful, practical way rather than a classroom or clinical setting. Matt “Red” Lonie Army & Navy Veteran | Lead Facilitator Matt Redlonie is a veteran with service in both the Australian Army and Navy. Through his own transition journey, Matt found that working with plants and being in nature played a powerful role in supporting his mental health, rebuilding routine, and creating a sense of purpose. Horticulture became a practical way for him to slow down, reconnect, and grow — both personally and professionally. Matt is the lead facilitator for the Come Try Horticulture program, paying those skills forward and creating a grounded, supportive space where other veterans and first responders can explore the same benefits at their own pace. His facilitation style is calm, practical, and shaped by lived experience. Meet our partner & facilitator Our experienced facilitators draw on their expertise and lived experiences to create grounded, supportive spaces that foster strength and resilience. Enroll me
What you’ll be doing
Activities may include: Planting and propagation Soil preparation and garden maintenance Learning basic horticulture skills Collaborative tasks Shared meals and informal conversation Participation is always optional: observe, engage, or take space as needed.
WHO DELIVERS & HOW IT’S FUNDED
✨ Come Try Horticulture is delivered by Invisible Injuries in partnership with Australian Native Nurseries, as part of the Veterans Wellbeing Grant (VWG) – Program 5: Come Try initiative. ✨ This program is fully funded through the Veterans Wellbeing Grant, supported by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, to provide accessible, low-barrier wellbeing experiences for veterans, first responders, and their families. ✨ This partnership combines lived experience, professional horticulture expertise, and a shared belief in the therapeutic power of nature.
FUTURE PATHWAYS (OPTIONAL, NOT EXPECTED)
For participants who are interested, this experience may open conversations around future pathways such as: Horticulture, gardening, and landscaping Nursery and garden centre roles Cemetery and memorial ground management Turf management and groundskeeping Floristry and plant care Environmental science and land management Conservation, rehabilitation, and bushland restoration Landscape design, botany, or plant science (with further study) These pathways can be explored through TAFE, university, short courses, or vocational rehabilitation support — if and when you’re ready.
COST & ELIGIBILITY
This program is fully funded “FREE” for eligible participants under the Veterans Wellbeing Grant. Places are limited (4) and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. ✅ Enrollments now open for cohort 1 Enroll me ⚠️ Is the course full? Join our waitlist