Date: 17 March 2017

The Whiddon Casino Sensory Garden was officially opened during NSW Seniors Festival and celebrated with a fabulous garden party.

Mayor of Richmond Valley, Cr Robert Mustow and The Hon. Thomas George MP, Member for Lismore officially opened the beautiful new space and were joined by the community who helped create it.

The project was part of a Whiddon competition where teams from across our homes in regional, rural and remote NSW submitted ideas for projects to enhance environmental culture in our homes, making them more dementia friendly.

It was the garden party of the year as residents, families and the community together enjoyed the proceedings, entertainment and great food. There was true community spirit and great pride as the garden was officially opened.

The sensory garden provides opportunities for residents to feel closer to nature, more socially connected and enjoy familiar smells, sights, touches, sounds and tastes. The striking centrepiece of the garden, a three tier marble fountain, has running water to provide a calming and relaxing backdrop and was generously donated by Friends of Cedars.

The garden features:

  • bird and butterfly attracting plants
  • a wind chime wall
  • aromatic plants and herbs
  • sculpture and art, including nostalgic pieces to help spark memories for our residents.

Thanks to Bunnings Warehouse Lismore who generously donated plants, wind chimes, an outdoor table setting, sun-shades and benches, and a team of Bunnings staff that assisted with planting, and to Friends of Cedars and Casino West Public School for their assistance in bringing this gorgeous garden to life.