Mr Bradley spoke at the official opening of the garden on Friday morning.

The local community pitched in more than 500 hours of voluntary labour to see the completion of a new garden, which cost more than $60,000.

“Out of 655 [garden clubs in Australia], Bathurst gardeners are number one,” Mr Bradley said. “I would like to thank everybody that had anything to do with this facility.

“In my role, I have the joy of turning up to facilities like this that are already finished and hear about all the hard work that has gone into them. I hope all the shrubs and trees grow so nicely here so in the future I may be given

permission to come back and see.”

The garden has an array of plants, from succulents and shurbs to native plants, herbs and vegetables. It also features several artwork pieces, as well as six raised garden beds, a pergola and a gazebo.

The facility was opened by Mr Bradley and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole.

About 80 guests witnessed the unveiling of a plaque, before Mr Bradley planted a commemorative shrub. Among those attending were staff and clients from BILS and the Seymour Centre, volunteers (aged 13 to mid-80s), deputy mayor Tracey Carpenter, Peter Varman of Bathurst Gardeners Club and project manager Spencer Harvey.

BILS executive officer Kim Rochester said BILS had raised $38,000 for the project through grant applications.

“Back in 2009 was when a sensory garden concept was brought to my awareness by members of our staff,” Ms Rochester said.

“I applied for a $1000 grant for putting up a water feature and that’s how it started. I couldn’t have expected how it unfolded.”

“But the evolution of the sensory garden doesn’t stop today.

“We will still do lots of improvements and continue using our skills and talents to maintain the garden.”