Another milestone for Costerfield House

VOLUNTEERS, families and community leaders gathered at Reflections at Eppalock last week to celebrate its first birthday and the official opening of Costerfield House for respite accommodation.

The celebration included the naming and opening of the Healing Garden which was constructed with support from a $7000 grant from Open Gardens Victoria.

“After many months of careful planning, testing and refining, we are so proud to be opening Costerfield House,” said Dementia Alliance founder and president Sandra Slatter.

“This is an extraordinary milestone.

“Costerfield House is more than a building; it represents a new model of respite accommodation, one that is safe, inclusive, and truly designed around the needs of people living with dementia and their carers.

“To have this vision realised here in our community is something we should all feel deeply proud of.”

Costerfield House has won several awards since its inception in Heathcote including the Global Award for Best Fit-for-Purpose Respite Accommodation.

“That is a remarkable feat for a grassroots, volunteer-driven organisation like ours,” said Ms Slatter.

“Reflections shows what happens when a region rolls up its sleeves.

“Volunteers, service clubs, community groups and local businesses have turned bushland into a sanctuary.

“Carers and people living with dementia deserve beautiful places close to home.

“The awards, the international visitors, and the local pride all say the same thing; this model works.”

Ms Slatter said the Healing Garden, Dhelkunya garingilang, came to life through the efforts of many hands, including The Fossils, The Wednesday Wobblies and the Victorian Mobile Landcare Group.

“Together they planted nearly 1500 native plants,” she said.

“The Healing Garden is more than a space, it is a living expression of connection, memory and care.

“We are deeply grateful for the support and generosity of so many, especially Open Gardens Victoria whose donation helped to bring this garden to life.”

The garden was officially unveiled with its First People’s name by Aunty Heather from the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BDAC) and acting chair and head of volunteers at Open Gardens Victoria Jamie Byron.

Going forward, the Dementia Alliance will be working towards their next project, Whispers of Europe.

Chair of the O’Keefe Challenge Kerstin Braun presented Ms Slatter with a cheque for $5000 which will be used to start the project.

“This garden will evoke the landscapes that many of our older generation grew up with,” said Ms Slatter.

“Rows of olive trees, lavender spilling into pathways, rosemary, daisies and the charm of English and Mediterranean-style gardens.

“For many living with dementia, these plants will spark recognition, stir fond memories, and bring deep comfort.

“And, with bee hives nestled among the flowers, the garden will be alive with sound, scent and nostalgia.

“We are very grateful for the donation from the O’Keefe Challenge, a much-loved community event that has supported us from the beginning.”

Anyone wanting to visit Reflections at Eppalock and see Costerfield House can email [email protected] or visit dementiaalliance.au.