Students Give Back to the Community with Sensory Garden for Milpara

Students from Norwood Morialta High School have been working in a sensory garden for ACH Group Milpara residential facility, located in Rostrevor. The school and ACH Group have been partnering in projects that promote an intergenerational approach between youth and older people.

Around 24 students from years 9 and 10, including three international students, have been working on this extra curriculum project at Milpara and two other ACH Group sites for over 12 weeks.

The work includes paving, mulching, planting, carpentry, painting and customer service. Jyson Rumsby, 15 said this has been a good experience.

“Every day we come here we learn something new that could help us in a career in the future because it is hands on,” he said.

For Shenae Huppatz, also 15, giving back has been the best part of the experience.

“Residents come and say hello sometimes and it feels great to know we are creating this special space for them that will hopefully brighten their days. I am sure they will love the end result,” Sheanne said.

Year 9 Sub School Head Alexia Forbes said “it is very valuable for students not only to help the local community, but to interact with people in other stages of their lives,” Ms Forbes said.

ACH Group Milpara’s manager Graham Harding said residents have been excited about the work students are doing.

“It was very pleasing to see that a lot of thought had gone into the design of the sensory garden, from contrasting colours and a variety of plantings to the position of seating and objects of interest.

“The finished product draws you in to different areas and supports way-finding for residents who would benefit from these additional sensorial cues,” Mr Harding said.

Click here to find out more about ACH Group's residential aged care.