GEORGE Gray Centre has been an integral part of the Maffra community for more than 50 years, providing support and activities for adults with a disability.
The centre is entering a new era as it officially launches its Sensory Garden on Thursday, December 1.
The charitable organisation has had to overcome and adapt to the everchanging pandemic rules, as well as negotiating the challenges that the NDIS funding model has introduced, while ensuring that their participants receive premium level support.
George Gray Centre senior disability support worker Wendy McLaren said that while the NDIS had delivered benefits and a range of choices to those with a disability, she said it has “also been the catalyst for the closure of many day services across Australia.
“The George Gray Centre now relies totally on people accessing the centre to remain viable, no funding is available for improvements of facilities or equipment with all funds received being directly for the supports of the participant,” she said.
“Community involvement and investment is the only way for George Gray Centre to continue to deliver the extremely important and essential service that it offers to adults with a disability in our local area.
“The pandemic introduced many challenges to the disability sector that included not being able to access community settings, limitations on group numbers, inability to provide transport options for the participants and restrictions on leaving the centre.”
The development of the Sensory Garden at the Maffra campus has been an amazing achievement that began as a dream back in 2020.
The idea came about with the hope of creating a space that people who attend George Gray Centre, and those in the local community, could not only enjoy as a garden space, but with the added sensory elements to promote physical and mental health.
Invitations of community support were sent to businesses, with participants also getting involved making short videos, selling raffle tickets, and delivering and accepting funding applications. Grant applications were also submitted in hope of gaining the much-needed funding for the garden.
Ms McLaren said the completed sensory garden had been fully sponsored by the local community, as well as the tireless efforts of the George Gray Centre Auxiliary.
“Total costing for the project has so far reached $80,000,” she said.
“We were over the moon when Sports Courts Victoria, based in Geelong, offered to supply and install a basketball court for the garden area. The Commonwealth Bank chipped in, and Sale Bunnings crew built some amazing garden beds that are a feature of the garden.
“When Esso called offering full sponsorship of the landscaping, we were totally stunned, and George Gray Centre cannot thank them enough for their tremendous support.
“Esso has continued their support with the implementation of our ideas, and assisting with the final payment for the Liberty swing, turning a once vacant block into the fantastic space that it has now become.”
All Round Landscapes were engaged to design and landscape the area, the end product an amazing design including specific areas that engage the senses of touch, hearing, sight, smell and taste.
Loch Sport mural artist Simon White completed two murals on the existing sheds, giving the area a magical feel, and has gained a lot of appreciation from those in the community.
Ms McLaren said there was many kind donations from private individuals, as well as local clubs, including Maffra Rotary, Lions, Lioness, and Vigilance Society, who all provided equipment or funds.
“Grants were obtained for the Liberty Swing, we would like to thank Wellington Shire Council, Sale to Sea Kayak, and Trinity Families for their support in obtaining this special addition to the garden,” she said.
“The swing is specifically built to allow people in wheelchairs or who have difficulty with mobility, to have the opportunity to feel movement and freedom in a safe and secure way.”
George Gray Centre continues to source funding, donations, and grants to allow purchase and installation of shade sails, gazebo, and boundary fencing, to make the space more accessible and user-friendly in varying weather conditions.
Ms McLaren said the garden will be accessible to all in the community, and are just working through the final details. “George Gray Centre is pleased that we have already received visitors from the local community and aged-care facilities who have enjoyed some time exploring the garden area,” she said.
The Open Day will begin at 3.30 pm with a Welcome to Country ceremony, official opening of the garden, a barbecue, and an opportunity to browse and purchase some handmade items from the market stalls.
All are welcome and Ms McLaren said they look forward to seeing you there.
Please register your attendance by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sensory-garden-opening-tickets-456520163097 or emailing reception@georgegray.org.au.
