The fenced block adjacent to Lake Cathie community hall was unveiled with a ribbon cutting event on November 13.

Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams, mayor Peta Pinson and Birpai elder Uncle Bill O'Brien all attended the celebration.

The campaign for a produce, decorative, sensory and bush food public garden was championed by Brendan Woollam from the Hastings Neighbourhood Centre.

"It has been a process and collaboration between Healthy North Coast and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council," Mr Woollam said.

"The COVID pandemic has been testing but the incredible volunteers involved have made the garden a success.

"The benefits of the garden, besides producing fresh fruit and vegetables, is to address issues of social isolation and mental health.

"It can provide a space for community members to share knowledge and contribute to a project bigger than one individual.

"We envisage raised garden beds, a communal area for workshops and school groups, native bees, composting and worm farming, bush tucker garden, sensory garden and disability access throughout."

A Lake Cathie gardening club has also been created with 12 volunteer members to improve the new area with raised garden beds and disability accessible pathways.

New members are welcome, the club meet each Tuesday from 9:30am to 11am.

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