Meet Sophia

Community Gardener

Sophia

Sophia is responsible for the upkeep of the community garden. She grows a range of fresh veggies in order to encourage healthy eating and make the community a healthier place overall. Sophia organises approximately 15-20 bags of vegetables every fortnight, after which a group from the office will distribute them to people in the community.

“This job is a great opportunity. Everyone loves it and lets each other know about it. Sometimes I get people coming over on their little scooters to grab their bag of veggies. I tell them if they need them at any time, they just have to come and get them! It’s a good thing.”

Sophia moved to Walgett when she was 15 and now lives with her husband and five children. She worked in a number of different positions before accepting a role as a gardener at WAMS and has never looked back.

“I love it. I’m really an ‘outdoors’ person. I don’t like working in the office. I’ve tried everything else: computers, working in shops, cafes, but nothing has compared to being outdoors and growing veggies, especially when it means it goes to the community. I think the only time I would leave is if I couldn’t work anymore, but otherwise I will never leave.”

Sophia loves the family community in WAMS and believes it is the people that make it such a special place to work.

“I love it, you have the best workers, the best bosses and just everything you need. I am not just a worker, I am a part of a big family, I reckon. Last year we went on a trip to the river and the whole of WAMS sat there and it was just like one big happy family.”

As well as the people at WAMS, Sophia loves the people and community of Walgett, which is why she has been here for so long and says she will never leave! She has known the community for more than 40 years and says they are the most welcoming people.

“It is a good community, especially working with WAMS because you are out and about with everybody. You get to know the people very quickly so you never feel like you’re not welcome. I reckon if people come here, they might never leave, like me!”

In her spare time, Sophia loves to spend time with her family and enjoys family gatherings and camping trips.

“We have family gatherings every weekend and go on a camping trip every Easter, the whole lot of us… we love it! Most of us have moved out of town, so it is like family here at WAMS during the week and family at home on the weekends.”

Meet Our People

Community Garden

Corner of Arthur and Duff Streets

Namoi Street Accommodation

Namoi Street