Moira Shire Council is inviting the community to take part in a Numurkah Rose Day on Friday 18 July, a one-off opportunity to collect and rehome rose bushes from the much-loved Louis Hamon Rose Garden.
The giveaway comes as construction progresses into Stage C of the Numurkah Northern Levee Project, which includes the removal and future re-establishment of the rose garden, located by Broken Creek on Melville Street.
To enable construction of the levee through this section, the existing garden must temporarily be removed. Following consultation with the Hamon family and Council's contractors, it was agreed that a selection of the roses will be re-established in the same location once construction is complete.
The remaining roses will be offered to the community free of charge to preserve and enjoy in home gardens or community spaces.
Community members are invited to collect rose bushes on Friday 18 July, from 9am to 2pm, at the corner of Orchard and Brenion Streets, Numurkah. Council staff will be on-site to assist and provide information. For community groups wanting large numbers of rose bushes (30+) please contact council before collecting.
Chair Administrator Graeme Emonson PSM said the giveaway is a wonderful way to honour the history of the garden while progressing important flood protection infrastructure for the township.
"We understand how significant the Louis Hamon Rose Garden is to the Numurkah community, and this is a chance to preserve part of that legacy while supporting the delivery of a vital levee project that will safeguard the town for years to come," Dr Emonson said.
To learn more about the Numurkah Northern Levee Project and stay updated, visit: www.moira.vic.gov.au/Numurkah-Northern-Levee
