THE Pyke family of Mount Isa has turned its barren backyard into a beautiful green oasis and a family holiday to Adels Grove.
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Through the Living with Lead Alliance Backyard Improvement Program, Niccole Pyke embraced the chance to turn her dust-bowl backyard into a green living environment.
“I heard about the competition when I received a flyer in my mailbox," Ms Pyke said.
“I had an area at the side of my yard that was just awful, my husband was starting to pile stuff there so I have wanted to improve that area for a very long time.
“I had knowledge of the lead level issues so I decided to use the competition as motivation to improve our healthy living.”
The Backyard Improvement Program is a major initiative that has been developed to provide advice and assistance for parents to improve gardens and play areas where children congregate. The competition encourages parents to make relevant changes to their gardens and contribute to a healthier lifestyle for Mount Isa city’s children.
Chair of the Lead Alliance, Robbie Katter, praised the efforts of entrants in the Backyard Improvement Program.
“It’s great to see so many residents getting involved in the competition who are taking pride in their backyards and minimising dust around their homes, by reducing bare soil areas where children play,” he said.
“They are minimising the risk of elevated blood lead levels in children and creating a safe and healthy environment for children to grow.”
Ms Pyke said if it wasn’t for the competition and the sponsors, her garden would still be sitting the way that it was.
“Where it was once dry and barren is now lovely luscious green grass and it is an enjoyable area to be in,” she said.
“The children love being outside in our new garden which includes a farm area with a herb and vegetable garden which the kids love to maintain.”
Second prize went to Sarah Murray-Brooks, third Teneal Lewin and fourth Linda Stewart.