Transition Year students from Marino College Secondary School dedicated their time and energy to enhancing the garden used by children who access services through Respond Housing. Their efforts resulted in a vibrant, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed outdoor space that will provide joy, comfort, and stimulation for young visitors.
Respond Housing is a not-for-profit organisation that offers housing and support services to individuals and families who might otherwise face social exclusion or homelessness. Among its many services, Respond Housing provides safe, stable homes and community supports, including dedicated facilities and gardens for children and families using their services. For many families, these shared spaces become essential community hubs, places of comfort, stability, and social connection.
The garden transformation by the students, which involved repainting benches in bright, uplifting colours; installing sensory-wall features to encourage tactile engagement; and adding natural touches such as bird baths, potted plants and bug hotels, has helped to renew and energise this space. The result is an outdoor environment that is both visually appealing and emotionally supportive, crafted with care and consideration for the needs of all who use it.
This initiative embodies the values at the heart of Localise: empowering young people to learn through service, building community, and fostering social responsibility. Through initiatives like this, Localise encourages students to recognise their ability to contribute meaningfully to society and to support vulnerable communities in tangible ways.
By taking part in this collaborative effort, the Transition Year students demonstrated empathy, teamwork and civic-mindedness. Their participation not only improved the physical environment of the garden, creating a space of warmth, safety and wonder, but also deepened their own understanding of how small acts of collective care can make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
For the children and families supported by Respond Housing, the newly transformed garden represents far more than an outdoor space. The bright seating now offers warm, welcoming places to rest and interact. The sensory features provide opportunities for calm exploration. The natural elements woven through the garden encourage curiosity, connection with the environment and a sense of belonging.
Localise extends sincere appreciation to Ms. Connor, the Transition Year students, and the team at Respond Housing for their dedication and partnership. Their commitment and thoughtful contributions have resulted in a space that will benefit children and families for years to come, and stands as a model of how community partnership and youthful energy can create meaningful, positive change.
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