Community
7 June, 2024
Appeal launched for place of reflection
PLANS to build a gazebo and garden for acute mental health patients at South West Healthcare took a step forward this week thanks to generous donations from two community groups.
South West Healthcare (SWH) has launched an appeal to raise almost $20,000 for the new outdoor facility, which will provide a calming place of relaxation for patients.
The appeal kicked off this week with a $5,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Warrnambool West and $2,000 from the Nirranda Football Netball Club.
“We’re extremely grateful to both organisations for their generosity and for seeing this project as a worthy recipient,” South West Healthcare mental health services executive director Richard Campion said.
Rotary Club of Warrnambool West president Roger Cussen said his group was delighted to be involved and proud of the money donated.
“We’re happy to be able to donate $5,000 towards this project, which we believe will benefit many people across the district,” Mr Cussen said.
“The money was raised through barbecues at various venues, along with our annual hole-in-one competition over the Christmas period.
“So far this year we have made donations to almost 20 community projects, amounting to about $42,000, which is pretty amazing and something we’re very proud of.
“We’re always looking for new members and would love to see some new faces – we meet each Thursday night at the Warrnambool Bowls Club and anyone interested can phone me on 0409 389 080.”
Representing the Nirranda Football Netball Club at this week’s cheque presentation, Emma Keogh said the club’s $2,000 donation was raised at its annual Lady’s Day event.
“We’ve been holding a Lady’s Day for the past three years; inviting a special guest speaker each year and donating to a worthy cause,” Ms Keogh said.
“This year my sister-in-law spoke about her battles with mental health, which was extremely brave and inspiring, so we felt it was appropriate to donate towards this project (at South West Health) as it resonated so much with our group.”
It is anticipated the new outdoor facility at SWH’s acute mental health unit will be warmly welcomed and well utilised by the unit’s patients.
“At the moment the only outdoor shelter we currently offer patients is an aged, brick rotunda that houses a large, fixed barbecue,” Mr Campion said.
“Located directly adjacent to our acute mental health building, it offers no privacy or peace for anyone to rest, bask and unwind.”
