Murray Irrigation grant helps create outdoor haven for school students

26 February 2024

Deniliquin High School is in the throes of transforming a tired, under-utilised corner of its campus into a beautiful sensory garden that will stimulate learning and promote student wellbeing.

The school is using funding, received through Murray Irrigation's annual Community Sponsorship Program, to create a tranquil haven where students can visit to relax and unwind.

The new space will prove particularly beneficial for students when they are feeling anxious or fragile.

Due for completion at the end of the year, the garden will also be used as an outdoor classroom and as a valuable learning resource for the science department.

During the first stage of construction, two brick walls have been removed, pavers have been patched and cleaned, and six trees have been planted.

Special Education Head Teacher, Margaret Blake, said this work has been accomplished thanks to a great collaborative effort between students and staff.

"While students in our Support Class have done most of the work, the school's Learning Support Officers have also given up their Saturdays to help clear the old bricks," she said.

Deniliquin High students Mason Durbidge, Nath Willmott and Morgan Dennison.

"Tim Van Lieshout Woodcutting has also pitched in by lending his truck for us to cart the old bricks away.

"The next step is to clear the garden, place mulch down and pave an area for seating."

Ms Blake said Deniliquin High is very grateful for the funding provided by Murray Irrigation to establish the sensory garden.

"We have found Murray Irrigation to be very generous and easy to work with," she said.

"We hope to invite them to visit the garden once it is completed."

Murray Irrigation CEO, Ron McCalman, said the Deniliquin High School initiative epitomises the spirit of the company's annual grants program, which is to promote participation, safety and wellbeing.

“Supporting projects like this is an important part of Murray Irrigation's social responsibility," Mr McCalman said.

"We are delighted to assist Deniliquin High School bring this commendable project to life."

Murray Irrigation's annual grants program is made possible with the support of its customers. Applications for the company's 2024 round of funding will open in April.