5th May, 2026.
I attended an event to celebrate the remarkable seventy‑fifth anniversary of Challenge Southern Highlands and saw what a wonderful show of leadership and innovation Challenge created at the Welby Garden Centre. Challenge is an example of what genuine community leadership looks like. A group of visionary families saw a need in our community 75 years ago. They wanted to empower people with disabilities to live with greater confidence, independence and dignity. Through innovation, determination and genuine care, they turned that vision into reality. Challenge Southern Highlands is a beautiful social enterprise that delivers far more than just great plants. The Welby Garden Centre is a welcoming, inclusive space, providing local jobs and high-quality products for our community. Most importantly, it offers genuine training and employment for people with disabilities. As Gérard de Nerval says, "every flower is a soul blossoming in nature".