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.
More than 70 aged care services have received funding through the second round of the Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services (PSRACS) and Community Kitchen Garden Initiative.
Camperdown’s Southwest Healthcare’s Merindah Lodge Aged Care residents received $45,000 to expand their garden to enable more fresh produce to be grown for the facility’s kitchen.
Barwon Health’s Alan David Lodge in Grovedale received $30,000 to refresh their existing garden through the purchase of new planters, pots, soil, hand tools and equipment.
The grants program was established in 2021 following a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, that called for aged care services to place a greater emphasis on improving community engagement, reducing social isolation, and enhancing resident wellbeing.
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.
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.
The Allan Labor Government is Australia’s largest provider of public aged care, investing more than $700 million since 2016 to deliver new and upgraded facilities across the state, including more than $160 million in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to improve aged care facilities in regional Victoria.
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“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. It’s wonderful to see local aged care services like Alan David Lodge benefiting from these grants.”
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Barwon Health CEO, Fiona Diver
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous $30,000 grant, which will allow us to refresh our garden spaces with new planters, pots, soil, and essential tools. Our gardens play a vital role in the well-being of our aged care residents, providing them with a peaceful environment to enjoy nature, engage in therapeutic activities, and connect with one another. This upgrade will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the mental and emotional health of our residents, creating spaces where they can thrive.”
