A proposal is currently being investigated to develop a community sensory and vegetable garden in Glenmore Park. Uniting, who are working in partnership with the National Disability Insurance Scheme under the Information Linkages and Capacity Building framework, have formed the Glenmore Park Project Community Inclusion Steering Committee to look at this.

The establishment of the garden will enable a free, accessible and inclusive environment for its visitors. This includes those living with a disability to participate in and benefit from the same community activities as everyone else. It aims to encourage exploration through an arrangement of themed garden and sensory fixtures, encapsulated with vegetative and plant life to assist people to touch, taste, admire and listen.

One of three possible sites have been proposed for the garden in Glenmore Park, as Uniting liaise with Penrith City Council. The first site of interest is in Blue Hills, situated within the grounds of the Glenmore Park Child and Family Centre. The second site is located next to the Floribunda Community Centre, whilst the third proposed site is in the vicinity of the Surveyors Creek Community Centre.

“I have chosen Glenmore Park as a point of interest as I am a local resident myself and we have a large cohort of families, including elderly and people living with disabilities in our local area. This garden would be a great activity for the community to come together at in an inclusive and accessible location, to learn from one another about sustainable lifestyles.

“In my role as a Local Area Coordinator for Uniting, working in partnership with the National Disability Insurance Scheme under the Information Linkages and Capacity Building framework, I am privileged to be working in this space to facilitate growth within this community through the development of this project” said Uniting’s Julie Baltazar, who is managing the project.

“I think it is very important to have projects like this one as it can facilitate the development of community connections, bring people together and build commitment in the local area for long-term social and cultural change for the participation and inclusion of people living with a disability” Julie added.

If you would like to be added to their email mailing list to receive updates regarding the progress of the sensory and vegetable garden and be notified for the next committee meeting, please send your contact information to jbaltazar@uniting.org.