General News
1 November, 2024
Garden funding for Merindah
THE Allan Labor Government is brightening the lives of Victorians living in Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services (PSRACS) – with $1.68 million in grants funded to improve or construct kitchen gardens.
The grants program was established in 2021 following a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety which called for aged care services to place a greater emphasis on improving community engagement, reducing social isolation, and enhancing resident wellbeing.
More than 70 aged care services have received funding through the second round of the PSRACS and Community Kitchen Garden Initiative.
Southwest Healthcare Camperdown’s Merindah Lodge Aged Care facility was among the recipients, receiving $45,000 to expand their garden to enable more fresh produce to be grown for the facility’s kitchen.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the goals and design of the gardens are decided by the residents of the aged care service, giving them the autonomy to prepare and enjoy the food they have grown - with the social aspect of maintaining these gardens also playing an important role in strengthening the connections of residents.
“Gardening offers so many health benefits - these kitchen garden projects are helping our older community members stay active, social, and engaged while continuing to receive the aged care support they need,” she said.
“Victoria is one of the only states in the country providing a public option for aged care, and we’re proud that we continue to deliver initiatives that enhance the quality-of-care older Victorians deserve.”
The program was launched in 2021 and was designed to support residents to age well through community connection, accessible outdoor spaces and lifestyle programs to keep people active – with the first round delivering significant and tangible benefits to health and wellbeing of residents across Victoria’s PSRACS.