Karralika’s new therapeutic outdoor garden includes plenty of outdoor spaces for kids to play. Photo: ACT Government.
Nature, family and friends will play a critical role in healing residents at the Fadden drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility Karralika, with the opening of a new therapeutic garden.
Funded mostly by the Commonwealth Government’s Community Health and Hospitals Program, the purpose-built facilities allow residents undertaking rehabilitation to spend time with their loved ones in outdoor settings including sensory spaces, play equipment, a bike track, handball court and barbecue area.
The project received a further $60,000 donation from Riverview Group, the development firm behind sustainable and community focused developments Ginninderry in North-West Belconnen, The Poplars in Jerrabomberra and Mann Central, Wodonga.
ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said helping families stay connected through the rehabilitation process was crucial in reducing the negative health, social and economic consequences of drug and alcohol dependence.
“In my role as the minister responsible for child protection, I recognise how very important it is for parents with children to have access to these wrap-around services that are not only addressing their dependency but also supporting them in building their parenting skills and ensuring that their children can stay safely at home with their families, which is the best outcome for the parents but also for those children,” she said.
“We know that staying safe and connected to your family is the most important thing if it can possibly be achieved.
“It is so much more than a garden we’re celebrating … it’s the opportunity that Karralika provides to strengthen families and to promote healing from dependency on alcohol and other drugs.
(Left to right) Karralika CEO Sharon Tuffin, ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith and Riverview Development managing director David Maxwell attended the launch. Photo: ACT Government.
“The ACT Government is committed to supporting people to recover from drug and alcohol dependence so that they can get back to their lives, their families and their communities.
“We’re really proud to work with innovative organisations like Karralika to deliver that.”
Karralika CEO Sharon Tuffin said the garden proved “what could be achieved through a public-private partnership with shared values” to help those in need of support.
“Words cannot truly express the gratitude that we feel when we look around this outdoor space and the smiles and laughter we see and hear from the children and their families at the Karralika Family Program,” she said.
Play and sensory equipment, a bike track and other spaces at the new facilities provide Karralika residents and their children with multiple options for outdoor interaction, play and exercise. Photo: ACT Government.
Riverview Developments managing director David Maxwell said “it always takes a village” to achieve positive outcomes for the community.
“Karralika exemplifies this ethos by keeping families together while tackling alcohol and other drug dependencies,” he said.
Riverview Developments generously topped off the government funding to elevate the project.
“When presented with the opportunity to help breathe new life into Karralika’s Therapeutic Garden, we felt compelled,” Mr Maxwell said.
“The result is a wonderful space for families to enjoy and an excellent example of private enterprise, community service providers and government working together to deliver a positive outcome for the community.”
Loading ...
