Lifeskills community liaison officer Bob Lejeune said the respite garden was almost finished after weeks of hard work from staff members and businesses from the local community. 

“The only thing left is the turf and the pump for the fountain,” Mr Lejeune said.

“We’re trying to get it all ready this week so that next week before the official opening, we can deal with anything that may go wrong.”

One of the main features of the garden is a sandstone bench seat donated by Wilpinjong Coal. 

The bench was engraved by Kerry Roberts of Stone Scene with the words ‘Wilpinjong Respite Garden’, and will sit next to the feature feature-slash-fountain in the centre of the garden. 

Lloyd Coleman from Peabody Energy Wilpinjong said staff at the mine threw a few ideas around when it came time to leave their mark, but ultimately decided on something that would be functional as well as commemorative. 

“We wanted it to be nicer than just putting a plaque on the wall,” Mr Coleman said. 

Mr Coleman said Wilpinjong had really gotten behind Lifeskills Plus as it was a project that had touched their hearts. 

“It’s part of our community and something we can really contribute to,” he said. 

Construction on a respite garden at Lifeskill’s Oporto Road community service centre began in August with help from Bunnings, who donated supplies and time to build flowerbeds around the edges of the garden.

Plants for the gardens were donated by Cudgegong Valley Gardening Club and Putta Bucca Landscaping. 

The garden also features a shade cloth, several different seats, and will eventually have astroturf laid over the concrete floor. 

Lifeskills Plus will continue their fundraising efforts on September 25 with a concert by Brothers3 at St Matthew’s Catholic School.  Tickets for the event are $30 each and can be purchased from the Mudgee Visitors Centre, 84 Market Street, or online from visitmudgee.com.au. Concession tickets can be purchased from Lifeskills Plus, 6372 6440.