Special garden for special times

By Sarah Schwager
A NEW sensory garden will provide entertainment for youngsters at a Cranbourne disability respite agency.
The Camms Road Respite House Sensory Garden was opened by Casey mayor Colin Butler last Sunday 28 October.
The house, run by Wresacare and built in 1999, provides a fun place for children with a disability to come and gives their parents and carers some time away.
Wresacare chief executive Vic Knight said over the course of 10 years, the gardens had slowly been upgraded as funding became available, first with the playground.
The new refurbishments include a pergola, water feature, which Mr Knight said was very attractive and soothing for kids with autism, and a sensory garden.
The garden has plants that the kids can touch and smell, as well as musical gongs, wind chimes and a large statue on which they could play on and around.
“It’s a fun place to be and the kids love it,” Mr Knight said.
The service provides respite for about 90 kids each year, with five children able to use the service at any one time.
“Caring for kids with a disability can be very stressful. This gives parents time for that break or to spend time with the other siblings,” Mr Knight said.
“At the same time it gives the kids a fun environment to spend the weekend or a night in.”
The mayor unveiled a plaque at the sensory garden, while parents, volunteers, and the children had a barbecue and get together.
Mr Knight thanked the volunteers for all their hard work and labour constructing the garden and the various businesses that had donated food and items for the open day.
For more information on Wresacare call 5996 8612.