Each year the Lead Alliance offer Mount Isa residents with young children the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes by joining the Backyard Improvement Program. The program was established to stimulate Mount Isa residents with young families to create lead safe and water wise gardens/backyards for children and families to enjoy. All participants received a Bunnings “starter kit” which included basic items to assist families to “get started” with their gardens.
The mission of the families is to reduce bare soil areas in their yards and or gardens that are accessible to children. The positive changes will assist decrease the risk of elevated blood lead levels in children.
Initiating its annual cycle in June, the competition saw a total of 31 applications this year, including 7 from educational facilities. This noteworthy participation reflects the enduring interest and engagement in the program, which has now been running successfully for the past 12 years.
This year, we were presented with a collection of exceptionally impressive entries. All families invested substantial effort in working towards achieving their outcomes they desired. Most of the entries, had bare soil areas in their front or back yard from the very beginning. Observing the favorable changes executed in the yards at the conclusion of the competition is genuinely inspiring. It was wonderful to see the changes made possible to the yards at the end of the competition.
Six external judges were selected to assess the before-and-after photos highlighting all of the improvements made during the program’s duration. The feedback we received suggested that this year’s competition presented one of the most demanding decisions in determining the 4 categories.
The inception of the Backyard Improvement Program aimed to inspire residents of Mount Isa with young families to cultivate lead-safe and water-efficient gardens/backyards for the enjoyment of children and families. The primary objective for participating families was to diminish bare soil areas in accessible yards or gardens, contributing to a reduction in the risk of elevated blood lead levels in children. The positive changes implemented through this program are anticipated to play a crucial role in fostering a healthier and safer environment for the community.
All Rounder Gardener:– Complete backyard makeover consisting of a minimum of two of the minor categories.
Tavis & Justine Cameron
Go Green Lawn:- Convert bare soils into a well-covered and maintained lawn area.
Derick & Dianne Knudson
Traditional Garden:- Create and maintain a mulched garden bed with flowers and shrubs.
Chloe & Bradley Luke
Edible Garden:- Create and maintain of a mulched herb or vegetable garden.
Alecia Wandel
Prizes:
All Rounder Gardener: The Mystery Holiday package comprises a three-night stay in a family villa at the esteemed BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville. Additionally, the package includes a $500 Visa Debit Card, a $100 Woolworths Debit Card, and 2 adults and 3 children $140.00 Family Pass to the Billabong Sanctuary, complete with a basket of holiday goodies. This experience will ensure a delightful blend of comfortable accommodation for an unforgettable family getaway.
Go Green Lawn: Victa 18” Super Mulcher Petrol Lawn Mower, Victor Swift Straight Split Shaft Timmer & Wheelbarrow
Traditional Garden: Webber Q2000 + 8 Piece Tool Kit + $50 Meat voucher
Edible Garden: $200 Rose Garden Nursery Voucher
We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors: The Rose Garden Nursery, Bunnings Mount Isa, and Mob FM. Additionally, we would like to express our appreciation to the Lead Alliance funders, namely Mount Isa City Council, Glencore Queensland Metals, North West Hospital and Health Service, and the Queensland Government. Your generous support is instrumental in the success of our program, and we are truly thankful for your commitment to the Lead Alliance.
Promoting “Living Safely with Lead” we extend our appreciation to all participants for their commitment to excellence and their significant contributions to making this competition a resounding success.
The Backyard Improvement Program will be back and available to Mount Isa residents again in 2024. Keep an eye out on social media and via various media outlets in June 2024.
