MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS to our very own Local Legend, Cheryl Ivey! 

We are absolutely bursting with pride to share that Cheryl has been recognised by the City of Mandurah with the prestigious Local Legend Award! This award celebrates individuals and groups who make a real difference in the city through actions like volunteering, mentoring, caring for others, or bringing people together. That description is Cheryl to a tee!

At the recent Council meeting, Mayor Amber Kearns personally presented the award, highlighting Cheryl’s incredible, connecting contributions at both the Mandurah Community Gardens and the Lakelands Community Garden. 

Mayor Kearns beautifully described Cheryl as a quiet achiever—always working tirelessly to create a stronger, more connected, and inclusive community through countless acts of kindness and support. Her dedication truly is an inspiration.

Whenever there is an event to organise, or networking with other groups and organisations, or promoting Mandurah Community Gardens by manning stalls at shopping centres or events — Cheryl has done it.

Even most of the photos that are provided for promotions, Facebook posts and for this website, along with their back stories, are from Cheryl. She encourages members to get involved and to feel welcome. In fact, Cheryl is a such a big supporter of so many social and environmental movements that it is difficult to list them all, but you can be sure that wherever the heart is, there you will find Cheryl!

Well done, Cheryl, on this well-deserved honour! We are so lucky to have you. 

In the gallery below are just a few photos of the many times Cheryl is helping out.

There was a great response to the Facebook post...

Last Sunday on the 5th October, we had the pleasure of co-hosting a wonderful event, "Nature's Remedy: Boost Your Mental Health," in collaboration with the Mandurah Environment & Heritage Group. It was an incredible day dedicated to celebrating the powerful connection between nature and well-being.

​Our Coodanup Community Gardens were buzzing with activity as we welcomed families for guided tours and hands-on workshops. It was fantastic to see so many smiling faces as participants got their hands dirty, planting seedlings and learning about the benefits of gardening for both the earth and our minds.

​We've received some truly heart-warming feedback from attendees who shared how much they enjoyed their time in the gardens. It's a wonderful reminder of how our green space serves as a peaceful retreat for the community.

​A special thank you to the Mandurah Environment & Heritage Group for inviting us to be a part of this important event, and to all of our dedicated volunteers whose hard work and passion made the day a resounding success.

​In the 21 and over category, the top prize went to Ebony! Her entry was a testament to creativity and storytelling. The macrame hanger she created featured beads spelling out "community pizza garden," and she included charming figurines—one climbing a ladder to harvest cherry tomatoes and another tending to a small pond that filled to water plantings of oregano, thyme, nasturtium, and capsicum. It was a complete miniature world, and we were absolutely captivated!