ACCIONA recently support at Noorat Primary School the ongoing development of their Multi-Sensory Indigenous Garden as part of the Mortlake South Wind Farm Small Grants Program.
Mortlake South wind farm started the construction in 2018. The site is situated in a small rural community in Victoria, Australia, which has primarily been reliant on dairy farming practices.
ACCIONA recently support at Noorat Primary School the ongoing development of their Multi-Sensory Indigenous Garden as part of the Mortlake South Wind Farm Small Grants Program.
Noorat Primary School commenced planning and creating a Multi-Sensory Indigenous Garden and Outdoor Classroom space. To date children, teachers, families and various members of the local community have been involved at every stage - from discussions about what makes a great, sustainable, multi-sensory garden and outdoor classroom space, to drawing up their ideas and getting hands on and creating and constructing some of the initial components of the area.
The school tries to use as much recycled and repurposed material as possible and rely on teachers, students and parents/community volunteers to help. The Multi-Sensory Indigenous Garden and Outdoor Classroom project allows students first-hand to experience the many benefits of regular and meaningful interaction and immersion in the natural environment. The garden helps to enhance the student’s learning and understanding in the areas of resource management and sustainability. Regular opportunities for kids to connect with nature also help them to develop good physical activity habits; assist in reducing their stress and anxiety; and help to nurture social interaction skills and encourage community contribution.
Development of the garden has enabled students, teaching staff, parents of students, the school Council and external community members to cohesively contribute to the project. The school hopes that the schools innovative outdoor learning and environmental programs and activities will help highlight the school to the community.
As well, this sensorial garden, has been used by ACCIONA’s volunteers, providing a presentation to the students and teachers about sustainable development and wind farms.