4th June, 2025.
Maryann Anderson of Yerrinbool is the latest recipient of the Southern Highlands Community Foundation’s Highlands Heroes award. A passionate community advocate, Maryann founded the Yerrinbool Village Group in 2018. Noticing the lack of communal spaces she was motivated to build stronger local connections and improve the village environment. Drawing on her love for gardening and the outdoors, Maryann partnered with local resident Jan Heslep to revitalise the neglected Railway Garden. What began as a modest beautification effort soon evolved into a thriving community garden project. Over time, with the help of dedicated volunteers, generous donations, and grant support, the garden grew into a welcoming space filled with native flora, fruit and vegetable patches, colourful roses, and a blue tree, symbolising mental health awareness.
The Yerrinbool Village Group now meets weekly combining hands-on work with social connection, helping to bring the community together. Maryann plans to use the $5,000 award to purchase a trailer, making it easier to manage tools and equipment, and I have no doubt the hardworking group will put it to excellent use. Well done Maryann.
