Mildura Trip

30 Jan

As part of the GreenConnect pilot project we took a group of carers and people with Dementia from the Bendigo region on a 4-day trip to Mildura.

GreenConnect Dementia Respite Project Manager Sandra Slatter and participants Marg Rae, Dot Poynton and Kevin Aspinall at the 24 Carat Cafe in Wedderburn.

Purpose

The purpose of the trip was to provide the opportunity for the participants of the Bendigo and Mildura groups to meet one another and to trial potential activities, experiences and accommodation providers.

Activities

Woodsies Gem Shop, Pink Cliffs

Comments: Very accommodating. Good open spaces – lot of gems and information.

Participants Comments: Fascinating accessible people friendly displays amazing

Walking with Horses

Comments: Safe & secure. Cindy (background in dementia) educated the group on the amazing benefits of walking with horses. she described how her business helps people suffering with a range of disabilities and/or illnesses. Interestingly the activity affected all participants differently.

Participants Comments: Both dementia participants enjoyed the experience

Garden of Hope, Cabaret

Comments: 16 acre garden of little nooks and crannies, The garden is a melange of positive sayings, beautiful flowers and plants, bird boxes. All looking out on to the lake. The restaurant was as quirky as the gardens. Food was very basic.

Participants Comments: Inspiring with all the little nooks and sayings. Very relaxing

Benetook Farm, Mildura

Comments: Safe & secure, safe surroundings. once through the safety gate, anyone could wander about happily away from traffic and dangers. The farm was busy with teams of disabled young people, working within the grounds

Participants Comments: Lovely. Dot and Kevin really enjoyed feeding the chooks, nice walk, lovely obliging people – free.

Accommodation

Sandors Motel, Mildura

Comments: Close to town centre / Secure front gates locked at night and until afternoon. Clean comfortable. Manager obliging. Well priced

Participants Comments: Suitable for people with mobility issues. Perfect place for a retreat – open and relaxing

Havilah, Cabarita

Comments: Suitable for people with mobility issues. Ideal for small retreat – wellness program. Big open spaces – indoor and out.

Participant Comments: Very comfortable secure setting.

Eating Places

24 Karat Cafe, Wedderburn

Comments: Safe and secure / indoor and outdoor eating

Amazing Art Gallery / walls covered in black & white images. The artist, Len Dierickx, happened to be there. Will meet again to discuss potential art activities.

Participants Comments: Kevin, also an artist, was able to talks about painting and techniques. He now feels encouraged to pick up his paint brushes again which he hasn’t since his dementia diagnosis