An article from Anne Josefsberg, Rotary Club of Canterbury
In 2025 under the persistent direction and focus of Elizabeth Shepherd of Canterbury Rotary, it was decided that four peace poles would be constructed in Victoria Park, Kew, near the children’s playground (commonly referred to as Possum Corner). And as part of the project, it was also planned to plant a native garden to enhance the peace poles.That vision has been completely accomplished. On Saturday 11th April 2026, a group of members from the Rotary Clubs of Canterbury and Kew came together to plant indigenous and native plants in the area surrounding the four peace poles which had previously been installed in the Park
Jen Martin, the designer of the garden, who runs a business called Jen Martin Landscape Architecture (JMLA) was also on hand to assist in the planning of the garden. What has been achieved is a beautiful space, located a wonderland part of Kew, just off High Street and adjacent to Adeney Avenue. The Boroondara Council prepared the site for the plantings which included pollinator friendly plants.
A lot of hard, creative work was completed by members of both Rotary Clubs. A big thanks goes to Jill Woinarski, Elizabeth Shepherd, Cathie Macmillan, Michelle Critchley, John Womersley, Steve Clarke and Joe Flinn from Canterbury and further thanks to Russell Heath, Andrew Dalziel, Hengameh Amiry, Pam Norton an Cam Dias from Kew.
The four peace poles, surrounded by the plantings, is a beautiful, natural feature of Victoria Park. They remind us of one of the Areas of Focus of Rotary International – Peace in the world and of programs encouraging peaceful interconnections with individuals in all parts of the world. Families play happily in the new garden and are reminded of Rotary’s universal message (in multiple languages) – the search for peace.
Despite difficulties caused by inclement weather towards the end of the planting season, the peace poles were installed, the garden planted, partnerships were formed within the community and Rotary’s positive message continues.
Rotarians at Work: the team planting out the garden
Elizabeth planting out the garden