Living Room gifts backyard makeover to beloved nanna

FOURTEEN grandchildren and many friends are looking forward to a sunny Saturday this weekend so they can check out The Living Room’s backyard makeover for Roselands resident Yasmin Sukkar.
Living at the property for 40 years, Yasmin could no longer enjoy the yard after a hip replacement.
Daughter Sally said this wasn’t just a loss for family but the community, with her home a hub for socialising with her friends after exercise class.
Most of these friends are Arabic-speaking and widows living alone.
Lebanese-born Yasmin had been the farmer, baker and chef for family and friends ever since arriving in Australia.
“Losing her husband and the hip replacement knocked the wind out of her sails but it’s nothing that couldn’t be fixed if she could get down into the garden, her sanctuary,” daughter Sally said.
After Sally contacted The Living Room, the team – headed by Barry Dubois – swung into action, raising garden beds and creating a walkway to improve access for Yasmin.
“They levelled the yard, introduced a Mediterranean vibe with a deck, table and chairs, revived the olive tree and planted a lemon tree and vegetables Yasmin didn’t have growing, such as kale,” Sally said.
“They organised a stove so she can cook alfresco for her guests and made the rambling old yard look like The Grounds of Alexandria.”
Sally says her mum is thrilled.
“She keeps saying I can’t believe that’s my yard; we are very grateful to The Living Room,” she said.
Barry said: “I wanted to give Yasmin safe passage from her house to a retreat in her own backyard so she can do what she loves to do – entertain her guests. My team has done an amazing job.”
Watch the makeover during The Living Room episode on Channel 10 next Friday, July 22, from 7.30pm.