Empowering People With Disabilities Through Anowah's Sensory Garden

Triglav has solidified its commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities by supporting the development of a unique gardening and horticultural therapy project for the Anowah community in Horsley Park.

The $20,000 grant facilitated by the 2024 ClubGRANTS program supports people with disabilities to participate in horticultural therapy activities in Anowah’s sensory garden.

Since receiving the funding, the project has kickstarted Anowah’s long term vision of establishing a fully accessible sensory garden. Beyond benefiting people with disabilities, it also provides those who are ageing and those dealing with trauma a safe haven where they can feel a sense of belonging, learn new skills or simply relax.

“The project has been a great success in encouraging our residents and their family and friends to access the garden, use the vegetables and herbs in cooking and salads and creating new spaces to spend time and enjoy the outdoors,” said CEO of Anowah, Jo Kernot.

With over 16 residents accessing the garden, Anowah plans to promote the space to other disability services to maximise its impact. The project involves programs that are uniquely structured around everyone’s skills and abilities. Revolving around horticultural therapy, the project will promote improved physical, mental and overall wellbeing as well as improve fine motor skills and encourage healthy eating.

“The grant has provided a beautiful gazebo and seating as well as additional planting for the garden, raised garden beds that have been used to create vegetable and herb planting that our residents have used all summer,” she added.

The project is an extension of the previously funded Sensory Garden project, extending an open invitation to broader community members of all abilities. Regularly scheduled barbecues, events and social gatherings facilitate a lively atmosphere and promote relationships between Anowah residents and the wider Horsley Park community.

“The contribution from Triglav highlights our goal of nurturing inclusive environments for people with disabilities while also bringing locals together to create a strong sense of community,” said Mounties Group President, John Dean.

“We are eager to witness the continued positive transformation of Anowah’s Sensory Garden. The project is a testament to the power of the ClubGRANTS program, which is paving the way towards a more inclusive and empowering community for all,” he concluded.

For more information about Anowah, visit www.anowah.org.au.