Native garden provides space for healing and learning at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Lotteries House

West Australian

3 days ago

A new garden space has been created at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Lotteries House to provide a place for healing and learning.
The Aboriginal Healing Garden was co-designed with Aboriginal community members and features native plants, fruit trees, a vibrant wall mural and seating area.
The project was led by Anglicare WA in collaboration with Lotteries House and funded by the Department of Social Services.
Anglicare WA Goldfields service manager Joshua Simpaya said the space created an outdoor meeting point for community agencies and their clients.
'It's a place where we meet community members that are engaged into our programs and other organisations . . . clients and staff can meet there,' he said.
'It's a really special place that will continue to evolve.
'I think it's a space that is ongoing, the community of Aboriginal people will continue to add to it.'
Lotteries House is an office space occupied by not-for-profit community organisations including Anglicare WA, Cancer Council, Outcare, and Yorgum Healing Services, among others.
Shalom Works, the maintenance business arm of rehabilitation service Shalom House, completed landscaping and paving works.
'It was very intentional to have them participate . . . because we're coming from the same principle of empowering and learning,' Mr Simpaya said.
Clients engaged in Anglicare WA's social and financial wellbeing service helped build the garden and Goldfields Garden Creation provided horticultural advice.
The space also features a vibrant wall mural painted by local artist Jason Dimer.
The garden was officially opened on Thursday.