The pool hall at AQ Ipswich Multi Service Centre might be the newest hang out spot, but for client Mark, it’s the garden that holds his heart.

“I like to be able to come here, because I see everyone playing, and I can keep an eye on the gardens,” he said.

“I can water the plants. I’m not one for pool, I’d rather the garden.”

The pool hall was formerly the garden shed, but in good news for Mark and the respite centre’s other keen gardeners, there’s now a bigger and better space for their gardening supplies.

Centre Manager Kerri said doing up one shed to make way for the pool hall, and moving the gardening supplies to a larger area was a win for everyone.

“We have a community garden here and an avid gardening group,” she said.

“Some of the equipment was not being used as much, so we moved that to make way for the pool hall and put the gardening tools and supplies in another shed.”

Mark gave the new arrangement an enthusiastic “two thumbs up”.

“I come here three days a week, and they (the staff) take me to Bunnings, I love it,” he said.

“The staff here are fantastic. I still garden with my wife at home, and now I take care of the gardens here too.”

Mark added he liked to grow vegetables, some of which make into the daily menu at the respite centre.

“The food here is amazing,” he said. “I’m pretty lucky. I’m pretty spoilt here.”

To find out more about the Ipswich Multi Service Centre, email intaketeam@alzqld.org.au or call 07 3812 2253 today.