WORK is continuing at Penola War Memorial Hospital in an effort to transform the area between the Pinchunga Aged Care facility and the hospital building.
The estimated cost of the project is around $30,000 and will showcase a six metre square steel pergola and concrete paving, garden and lawn irrigation for the whole central area, plantings, outdoor furniture, a water feature and feature pots – adding to residents quality of life.
Phase two of the concreting has seen the new circular driveway completed from the car park gateway.
“This area will provide a safe and level surface for patients and residents to walk on, when it is not being used by vehicles to access Pinchunga,” Penola and District Medical
Support Group member Janet Brodie said.
The third phase of the work being contracted by the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DPTI) is the provision of a drainage sump – which will correct longstanding drainage issues, completion of the retaining walls and the pouring of a portion of the courtyard concrete.
Limestone Coast Regional Director of Nursing Paul Bullen and his team at the hospital have fought hard for these improvements, and successfully secured the funding.
Once DPTI has finished their work, the project will be handed over to the Penola and District Medical Support Group to create a garden courtyard and pergola for the pleasure of residents, patients, staff and visitors to the hospital and Pinchunga.
Over the last four years, the medical support group has undertaken the majority of the planting and maintenance of the hospital grounds.
A group of volunteers attend monthly working bees, doing everything from weeding and planting to mulching and tree removal.
In taking on the creation of the garden courtyard, the group feels very strongly that this project will benefit the entire community.
“We never know when we, or a member of our family or a friend could be resident in Pinchunga or a patient in Penola hospital,” Ms Brodie said.
“Providing a beautiful and restful area where patients and residents can spend time outside and where they can gather with families and friends, will assist with community engagement, stimulation and physical and mental wellbeing.”
Funding for the garden courtyard is being sought from the Penola and district community.
The medical support group has already received donations from local families, businesses and organisations, who they thank for their generosity.
However, further funding is needed to ensure the project is completed and to a high standard.
No donation will be considered too small and will be gratefully received.
Contact Bill Murray on 0417 813058 or Janet Brodie on 0400 028566 for information on how you can donate.
