Older people are enjoying the fruits of a wonderful new vegetable garden they helped to create with students and international volunteers.
The project sprouted recently at Juniper Kununurra Community Care and was made possible by travel company Rustic Pathways which gives students and volunteers empowering travel experiences that positively impact communities across the world. Juniper is an agency of the Uniting Church WA providing residential and community aged care services.
Three Australian school groups from Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney visited the facility along with volunteers from all across the globe including Japan, Spain, Sweden, China and the USA.
Juniper’s community operations manager, Brenda Murray, said clients and staff very much enjoyed the visits.
“Not only do we now have a beautiful garden that will provide fresh vegetables and herbs but we have established a new and hopefully long-lasting relationship with the team from Rustic Pathways,” she said.
Rustic Pathways’ outback operations manager, Melanie Ward, said the garden took about 20 hours to complete with 103 volunteers contributing to the project at various times.
“Our goal was to create a garden at wheelchair/sitting height so clients could plant and grow their own produce while enjoying the Kimberley sunshine,” she said.
“Most of the materials used, such as the paint, tyres, soil and spades were donated and recycled materials from the local community.”
“Our students enjoyed sharing stories with Juniper’s clients at the centre and hearing all about their life experiences. These are things that will stay with them for a lifetime.”
Juniper Kununurra Community Care provides care and support so older people care enjoy independence and connections to their community and culture. It’s services include support and assistance with transport, advocacy, shopping, domestic help and personal care and meals. Juniper provide an overnight respite service for your loved ones, so carers can enjoy a well-deserved break.
Low care clients can participate in a range of activities and enjoy home-style breakfasts, as well as day trips, personal care and HACC nursing services which are available from its day centre. Clients also enjoy many social and cultural activities held throughout the year.
For more information about home care or residential aged care accommodation visit juniper.org.au.