GRoW Cooroy & Pomona is a community-led initiative creating simple, supported ways for people to connect with nature and each other for better health and wellbeing.

Through a collaborative, co-design process, GRoW is developing a Green Referral pathway — a local system that helps people access nature-based and social activities through Pomona Community House, Cooroy Community Gardens, and partner organisations.

Activities may include therapeutic gardening, guided outdoor experiences, creative and social groups, and community connection events — all designed to nurture belonging, confidence, and wellbeing.

Spending time in nature and community supports both physical and mental health. Yet many people don’t know where to start or how to access these opportunities. GRoW is working with health professionals, community organisations, and local residents to make nature-based and social wellbeing activities more accessible, inclusive, and supported for those who could benefit most.

What are Green or Social 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 and Pomona Commmunity House 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, Pomona & District Community House, 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, and Pomona the goal is to foster healthier people and communities by reconnecting with nature and with each other. 

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 were held where interested community members, organisations, and potential referrers, experienced the activities for themselves and helped identify the key elements required for a successful green referral pathway in our communities.  

Volunteer training: As identified in our co design workshops - a free volunteer training program based in Cooroy and Pomona was offered in November 2025 (see details here) 

Piloting the Pathway: In 2026, we’ll test the pathway, with referred patients and volunteers accessing and facilitating structured therapeutic horticultural and social activities with the Pomona and District Community house team and Cooroy Community Gardens. 

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 Here? 

Cooroy and Pomona are vibrant communities; the Cooroy Community Gardens and Pomona Community House sit centrally. They are a spaces for connection, sustainability, and learning.  Helping Cooroy to embrace the garden at its heart , and supporting the work of Pomona Community house, linking vulnerable community members with the healing power of natural and social connection are fundamental aims of this project.  

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

In May and June 2025, two hands-on, collaborative workshops were held at Cooroy Community Gardens to help shape a local green prescription pathway.

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

Workshop 1 (Thursday 29 May 2025) focused on identifying local needs, barriers, and enablers for green prescriptions. Participants also took part in experiential therapeutic horticulture activities, deepening their understanding of the approach and sparking ideas for the referral model.

Workshop 2 (Friday 27 June 2025) built on these insights to refine the emerging referral pathway, including communication strategies and implementation steps. This session also featured interactive, garden-based experiences to inform planning and highlight the practical elements of therapeutic horticulture.

Both workshops were facilitated using a community-based participatory approach, with time to connect, reflect, and get hands in the soil.

These sessions laid the groundwork for the next stage of GRoW — developing and piloting a sustainable, community-led green prescription pathway for regional Queensland

GRoW Volunteer training 

Following feedback from the GRoW Cooroy Co-design Workshops, a Volunteer Training Program was developed to build local capacity and support the next phase of the project.

The program offers community members the chance to become GRoW Buddies — trained volunteers who walk alongside participants referred into nature-based and social wellbeing activities. Through accredited training in Mental Health First Aid, First Aid, Trauma-Informed Practice, and Community Development, volunteers gain practical skills to foster inclusion, confidence, and connection in their communities.

Delivered collaboratively by Pomona & District Community House, and UniSC, the training combines hands-on learning with peer support and reflection — continuing GRoW’s community-based, relational approach.

Our first training sessions were completed in November 2025, but If you’d like to be part of the next training intake, email GRoW@usc.edu.au to register your interest.

Contact the team