BUSHkids Mount Isa now have a new sensory garden and outdoor therapy area. With the help of volunteers, Mount Isa City Council and local businesses, BUSHkids have spent the last 12 months transforming the outdoor space at their Marian St Service Centre.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
BUSHkids CEO Carlton Meyn said a usable outdoor area was a major boost for the families they supported in Mount Isa.
"Outdoor therapy is very calming, particularly for kids with behavioral problems, while it's a great place to see how kids interact with each other and their environment," Mr Meyn said.
"We've had unbelievable help from the local community to build this space.
"Mount Isa City Council supported us with a Community Grant, Caitlynd Gardner, an inspirational local young woman raised money as part of her 2017 Rodeo Queen Quest, and we had support from a number of local businesses and voluntary organisations. Haymans Electrical and Buffs Duchess 51 Lodge provided generous donations, Bunnings helped us out with plants and gardening material and Allen & Sons Builders undertook the construction work."
Sarah Bartsch, BUSHkids Occupational Therapist in Mount Isa said the sensory garden had a variety of flowers, plants and a fairy garden for the children and families to explore.
"We have raised garden beds to help kids develop their motor and sensory skills and part of the therapy area has been astroturfed so it can be used as an outdoor therapy space," Ms Bartsch said.
"This really increases the therapy options for children with gross motor skills and sensory processing difficulties, as well as providing an area for families to play during sessions."
The new sensory garden opened on July 17.
While you are here subscribe to our weekly email to your inbox at 6am every Friday
