GRoW Cooroy (Green Referrals for Wellbeing) is a community-led initiative dedicated to developing a simple, supported way for people to connect with nature for better health. Using  a collaborative approach, we are co-designing (creating together) a Green Prescription pathway—a system that helps people access nature-based activities, such as therapeutic gardening, guided outdoor experiences, and community green spaces, as part of their health journey.

Spending time in nature can improve mental, physical, and social wellbeing. However, not everyone has easy access or knows where to start. GRoW Cooroy is working with local health professionals, community members, and organisations to make nature-based health solutions more accessible, structured, and supported for those who could benefit most.

What are Green Referrals?

In Australia, chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and anxiety affect more than 60% of the population, and while medication and therapy play critical roles, they often miss deeper issues like loneliness, social isolation, and disconnection from nature—all of which have profound impacts on health. 

Social prescribing is an approach that connects people with non-medical, community-based activities to improve well-being. These can include exercise groups, volunteering, arts programs, and nature-based interventions, often addressing the root causes of poor health rather than just the symptoms. 

Research from social prescribing programs in Australia and internationally shows significant benefits, including: 

✔ Reduced GP visits and hospital admissions as people access broader support networks. 

✔ Improved mental health, particularly for those experiencing depression, anxiety, or social isolation. 

✔ Better chronic disease management, as increased social engagement and physical activity complement medical care. 

One of the most promising branches of social prescribing is green prescriptions—referrals for nature-based activities like gardening, walking in parks, or participating in community horticulture projects.  

Research shows that Green prescriptions can: 

🌱 Lower blood pressure, improve mood and reduce stress . 

🌱 Encourage physical activity in a low-impact, engaging way. 

🌱 Strengthen community ties and reduce social isolation. 

The Cooroy Community Garden's Pilot

Despite the proven benefits, Australia lacks a structured referral system for green or social prescriptions, meaning people who could benefit most, don’t always have clear pathways to access them. That’s where GRoW fits in. 

In collaboration with the Cooroy Community Gardens, Noosa Permaculture, and UniSC, this project aims to create a Green Prescription Referral Pathway that connects health professionals, patients, and therapeutic gardening opportunities.  

Starting in Cooroy, the goal is to foster healthier people and communities by reconnecting with nature. 

How it will work 

Listening and Co-Creation: The team is currently engaging with community members, health providers, and horticultural therapy garden leaders, and introducing the concept of social and green prescriptions.  In May and June Co-Design workshops will be held where interested community members, organisations, and potential referrers, will be able to experience the activities for themselves and help identify the key elements required for a successful green referral pathway here in Cooroy.  

Piloting the Pathway: In late 2025, we’ll test the pathway, with referred patients and volunteers accessing and facilitating structured therapeutic horticultural activities with the Cooroy Community Garden Team. 

Evaluation and Growth: Using insights from the pilot, we’ll refine the pathway, develop a model that could be used by other communities, and explore funding opportunities for ongoing social and green prescription services. 

Why Cooroy? 

Cooroy is a vibrant community, and the Cooroy Community Gardens sit centrally. They are a space for connection, sustainability, and learning, with the Pavilion now a key community resource.  Helping Cooroy to embrace the garden at its heart and linking vulnerable community members with the healing power of natural connection are fundamental aims of this project.  

Cooroy Community Benefits: 

• For Patients: A safe pathway to better health through meaningful activity in nature. 

• For the Community: Stronger connections and increased resilience. 

• For Healthcare Providers: A new, evidence-based tool to help support patients and clients. 

GRoW Cooroy Workshops

Be part of shaping a local green prescription pathway at Cooroy Community Gardens during two, hands-on, collaborative workshops. 

As part of the Green Referrals for Wellbeing (GRoW) project, two co-design sessions will bring together community members, health professionals, local organisations, UniSC researchers and garden partners to explore how nature-based health interventions can work in our region. 

• Workshop 1: (Thursday 29th May 1pm), will focus on identifying local needs, barriers, and enablers for green prescriptions. Participants will also take part in experiential therapeutic horticulture activities designed to deepen understanding of the intervention and spark ideas for the referral model. 

• Workshop 2: (Friday 27th June 1pm), will refine the referral pathway, including communication strategies and implementation steps. This session will also include interactive garden-based experiences to inform planning and reflect the practical elements of therapeutic horticulture. 

Both workshops will be facilitated using a community-based participatory approach and include time to connect, reflect, and get your hands in some soil!  

Ideally participants will participate in both workshops, but if you can only make it to one - thats fine too. 

Click here to register for Workshop 2 

Contact the team