Story by Rhylea Thompson

Small actions can make a significant impact on our globe as the call for climate action grows louder.

Seasons is strongly committed to protecting our environment and residents by adopting several new sustainable practices in our communities.

HERB HUB: Seasons Mango Hill Head Chef Chrissy Hayer picking fresh rosemary from the onsite herb garden to garnish the wholesome meals served to residents daily. Picture: Maddison Bywater

We are proud to see the efforts of our staff and residents, who are working tirelessly to reduce carbon emissions through everyday initiatives, including the installation of solar panels, recycling bins, onsite herb gardens and a reduction in paper use.

This World Environment Day, we celebrate and thank you for choosing to protect the world around us.

Homegrown goodness: How Residents Help Shape Every Meal

Whether it’s a sprinkle of rosemary on lamb or chives stirred through creamy pasta, every dish plated by the Seasons Mango Hill Hospitality Team carries a heartfelt contribution from our residents.

Members of the Seasons Garden Club plant, grow and nurture a variety of vegetables and herbs onsite, which are then harvested and used by kitchen staff to garnish meals for residents.

TEAM WORK: Seasons Mango Hill Hospitality Team members Chrissy and Shee admiring the handiwork of our talented residents who have grown a beautiful onsite herb garden. Picture: Maddison Bywater

“The contribution from the Garden Club makes such a difference, as the ingredients grown in the community are so fresh,” Seasons Mango Hill Head Chef Chrissy Hayer said.

“We love that our residents have an input in the dishes they sit down to enjoy – that is a very special.”

Seasons resident and Garden Club member Annette Saunders said being part of the garden to plate process gave her a sense of achievement.

PLANT PRO: Seasons Garden Club member Annette Saunders said being part of the ‘garden to plate’ process offered high levels of satisfaction. Picture: Maddison Bywater

“It is so satisfying to see something you have helped grow appear on your lunch or dinner and presented so beautifully,” she said.

The Seasons resident said there were many benefits to joining the club including the strong camaraderie.

“The group usually goes on a trip to Bunnings and local garden centres to choose the herbs we want to plant, which is always really lovely,” she said.

“I love the fact that we’re just spending time outside playing with dirt – it’s so good for the soul.

“It’s even great for residents who are not involved with the club, who can go sit in the garden and look at something pretty.”

FLAVOUR FARM: Resident Berni Doran said he helped grow radish, cos lettuce and spring onion seedlings for the kitchen to incorporate into dishes. Picture: Maddison Bywater

Born with ‘green thumbs’, Berni Doran has always had a fascination for gardening and the great outdoors.

Since moving into Seasons, the avid gardener has been an active member of the Garden Club and is now well-known for being the community’s orchid expert.

“The secret to a thriving orchid is using liquid fertiliser and mimicking the right climate conditions, so it can continue to grow,” he said.

“Sometimes orchids like a hot, humid and rainy Summer, but a cold and dry Winter, so you really need to find the perfect balance to encourage flowering and avoid root rot.”

THYME TIME: Seasons Mango Hill Head Chef Chrissy Hayer garnishing a delicious meal for residents to enjoy. Picture: Maddison Bywater

When the Seasons resident is not tending to orchids, he also helps grow radish, cos lettuce and spring onion seedlings for the kitchen to incorporate into dishes.

“I’ve always been a gardener and had a strong interest in horticulture in general,” he said.

“When I was a kid living out West, I used to help an old Italian friend to weed his vegetable garden, and I even loved it back then.”

Resident mission to save world

One of 10 children, Trish Webb was taught from a young age to always recycle, avoid single-use plastics where possible and repurpose everything.

Bringing her lifelong passion for the environment to Seasons, the Waterford West resident continues to live by this philosophy today, leading the charge by introducing the community’s recycling initiative.

WASTE WARRIOR: Passionate about protecting the environment for her grandchildren to enjoy for years to come, Seasons resident Trish Webb pioneered the Waterford West recycling program. Picture: Maddison Bywater

“It all started when I was helping out behind the bar and noticed everything was being thrown away instead of recycled,” Trish said.

“Now every single can or bottle we use is taken to the Containers For Change depot.

“Growing up, my father insisted everything be recycled and it’s something I have always carried with me.”

Residents at Seasons Waterford West send hundreds of items to the recycling plant each year, with their contributions not only benefiting the planet, but the entire community too.

Proceeds raised through their efforts go straight back to the residents, whether it be a Chinese takeaway dinner or Kentucky fried chicken feast to share on New Year’s Eve.

GOING GREEN: Three ‘Containers For Change’ bins were recently delivered to the Seasons Waterford West community, to further support their recycling efforts. Picture: Supplied

“I’ve seen what we’ve (humans have) done to the world and it breaks my heart,” Trish said.

“The ocean is full of rubbish and we’re taking in so many microplastics every day.

“It terrifies me because I want to leave something good behind for my grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“The more people who recycle, the more chance we have of making a difference.”

Containers For Change bins have now been installed onsite at the Seasons Waterford West community, creating further awareness and opportunities for residents, staff and visitors to participate.

Solar panels light up our communities

Seasons Waterford West has recently completed the installation of a 99.44kW commercial solar PV system, comprising 226 high-efficiency solar panels and a three-phase Sungrow inverter.

The system is expected to generate approximately 141,653 kWh of electricity annually, helping to reduce community expenses. While reducing reliance on grid electricity, particularly during peak demand periods.

In addition to the financial benefits, the system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 113 tonnes annually, supporting Seasons’ broader sustainability objectives.

SUN SAVINGS: Seasons’ Kyle Loveday said the solar panel project would assist in tackling rising energy costs. Picture: Supplied

Seasons Regional Facilities and Infrastructure Manager Kyle Loveday said the initiative reflected the organisation’s commitment to long-term value through sustainable infrastructure and operational efficiency.

“Investing in solar across our communities is a key step in future-proofing our operations,” he said.

“It allows us to manage rising energy costs, while also delivering more sustainable outcomes for our residents.

SKY HIGH: An aerial view of the new solar panels at the Seasons Waterford West community. Picture: Supplied

“Projects like this set the benchmark for how we continue to improve and modernise our Seasons Living communities.”

The Waterford West installation follows the completion of earlier solar projects at Mango Hill, while Sinnamon Park works are scheduled this year, once our submission is approved.

World Environment Day is Friday, June 5, 2026.