New Sensory Garden creates beauty for people with disabilities
Media Release
11 June 2008
The new Sensory Garden – “Engage” - created by the University of Sydney’s Occupational Therapy students and Cumberland Retreat in Windsor is a delight to the senses.
This beautiful garden, officially opened on Thursday 12 June, is a visual pleasure, with an aura of peace and tranquillity.
Perfumed flowers and aromatic foliage yield a gentle fragrance, and provide a pleasant smell when touched.
Interesting bark, flower and leaf textures, rocks and garden ornaments add tactile interest.
Wind chimes and water features carry a soothing sound in the breeze, while the nectar-rich plants, flowers and birdbath attracts an abundance of birdlife to drink and splash.
And aromatic herbs, edible flowers, young fruit trees and vegetables tease the tastebuds.
Created by the University of Sydney’s Occupational Therapy students and Cumberland Industries’ employees with a disability, the Sensory Garden is designed for the enjoyment, and to stimulate the touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing of people with disabilities. It is also a beautiful place for timeout and reflection.
“Engage” was built by three Occupational Therapy students from the University of Sydney, Nicole Chaitow, Jessica Webb and Melinda Wright together with two employees from Cumberland Industries’ Auburn PAK-IT-RITE division, Ivan Skusek and Rowena Walton.
“Sensory gardens are designed to be enjoyed by engaging all of the senses, incorporating things to touch, look at, smell, listen to and taste whilst relaxing and enjoying the environment,” said Nicole Chaitow, OT student and a member of Cumberland Industries Human Services team. “Sensory gardens have also been proven to have therapeutic value, contributing to emotional and physical wellbeing,” Nicole added, “The benefits come from working, walking and relaxing in the garden, and enjoying the rewards of fresh herbs for daily meals.
Cumberland Industries is a leading “Social Enterprise” providing employment and training for 530 people with a disability and 180 staff in its seven operations in Western Sydney – Castle Hill, Seven Hills, Auburn, Wetherill Park, Blacktown, Mt Druitt and Penrith.
Cumberland Industries is currently seeking new employees with a mild disability to join the Award winning company’s operations at Auburn, Castle Hill, Wetherill Park, Blacktown, Seven Hills, Mt Druitt and Penrith.
Cumberland Industries is grateful for the funding provided by the Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) for the provision of employment assistance services to people with a disability, under the Disability Employment Assistance Program.
For further information on Cumberland Industries contact Corporate Relations Director Margaret Ryan on 9643 4400 or 0424 231 851.
If you are enquiring about employment at the Cumberland Retreat please contact Human Services Director Kara Pavloff on 9899 8531.
