Calvary Haydon Home Manager, Jo Ramadge, thanked the local businesses and community groups who volunteered their time to create a safe space for residents to enjoy and create new memories. “We wanted to create a garden where residents, particularly those living with dementia, could come to, connect with nature and spend time with their loved ones,” Ms Ramadge said.

The project was delivered over two stages, with the second and final stage made possible with the support of Bunnings, Local Rotary Club volunteers, the Men’s Shed and other community organisations. Today volunteers spent the morning on site creating a bush tucker garden with Indigenous plants for residents to incorporate into their cooking classes.

Other work included building sensory water features designed for residents living with dementia, a resident workshop area with refurbished tables and chairs, a decorative water tank area featuring Aboriginal totem pole art, and a new pathway for improved accessibility.

“At Bunnings, we’re passionate about rolling up our sleeves to help the community in a variety of ways. Supporting Calvary Haydon Aged Care to build a space for residents and their families meant a great deal to participating team members, including those from our Belconnen, Gungahlin, Goulburn, Fyshwick, Tuggeranong, and Canberra Airport stores,” Bunnings Regional Manager, David Williams, said. “We’re very proud to have contributed to such a meaningful cause alongside our local community groups.”

Ms Ramadge says the new garden will benefit residents and families, giving them a space to relax, come together and celebrate. “This beautiful space will open new and exciting opportunities for residents. It can be a meeting place for residents, friends and families.

They can have birthday parties and other family events, play ball games or just sit and play music,” Ms Ramadge said. “On behalf of Calvary Haydon and our residents, I want to express my huge gratitude to our community partners for their support and, in particular, Verdelle Townsend, Activities Organiser at Bunnings Belconnen, for bringing everyone together.”