By Lia Bichel
TOUCH, see, smell, taste, and hear. A newly established garden at The Old Cheese Factory in Berwick appeals to all the senses, creating an opportunity for special needs people and any other visitors to enjoy sensory stimulation in a serene natural environment.
The garden is one third completed, with three themed areas laced together by a shared river. It contains wheelchair accessible paths, an indigenous display created by the local Koori community and various elements such as fruit, herbs, rocks, water, chimes and colourful flowers.
Paul Knaap, Project and OHS supervisor at The Old Cheese Factory said the garden increases the development of motor skills, enhances national pride, and creates a feeling of self achievement and pride for all those who have worked on it.
“Learning outcomes are achieved and extended on a daily basis alone. It’s great to see special needs people come there. They grow, improve interaction, and gain self-confidence. Volunteers who also work on the site seem to grow along with the project,” Mr Knaap said.
“There is also informal mentoring and tutoring opportunities for carefully selected CORE clients.”
There is no cost for entry into the garden. However, there is a request for organisations to actively pursue funding for materials to ensure continuation and sustainability of the Sensory Garden. All funding obtained will be used for materials and there is no cost for supervision or administration.
Casey councillor Lorraine Wreford, who has allocated more than $7,000 of funds to the project, is encouraging the community to explore the magic of the sensory garden.
“The details are just amazing; the footpaths, the mosaics. It’s like being in another little world,” she said.
Mr Knaap said as long as there is financial support, and visitors continue to benefit from the garden, the project will continue to expand.
“With continued support from the community and City of Casey, I can see this project and program evolving and improving indefinitely,” he said. “The scope for expansion and improvements is endless.”
