Water partnership creates a garden for the senses

A water-wise sensory garden will soon be stimulating the senses at Woodward Park in Port Pirie, thanks to a new partnership with SA Water, as part of the utility’s 2022-23 Community Partnerships Program.

Funding provided through the program will provide not-for-profit social and community service organisation Uniting Country SA the means to create the garden, as part of a wider upgrade of the popular neighbourhood park.

The annual program provides a total of $75,000 in financial support towards initiatives or events focused on environmental sustainability, climate change and improving community health and wellbeing.

SA Water's General Manager of Strategy, Engagement and Innovation Nicola Murphy said the exciting project in Port Pirie is among eight new partnerships forged across metropolitan and regional South Australia this year.

“Sharing our vision for creating greener and cooler communities, the sensory garden will incorporate low water use plants, an underground watering system and deep mulching,” Nicola said.

“Situated within a larger nature play area, it also aims to promote healthy communities by encouraging children to play outdoors and provide an opportunity for people to experience nature using touch, smell and sight.

“We look forward to working with Uniting Country SA to provide an environmentally sustainable site for children to enjoy and learn from.”

This year’s Community Partnerships Program saw more than 80 applications from initiatives across the state.

"Our program is all about helping groups and events of different shapes and sizes, and following a terrific response for applications from the community, this year's recipients are a perfect fit,” Nicola said.

"Ranging from a new aquaponics system at Blyth's local primary school to the creation of an urban wetland in Mount Gambier, our 2022-23 partners are all harnessing water use to make their local community a better place.

"We're also partnering-up to deliver an incredible feature garden at this year's Royal Adelaide Show, where tens of thousands of visitors each day can learn about creating cool, green spaces in their community.

"We know grassroots groups and events have faced challenges throughout recent years due to COVID-19, and we can't wait to work together with all of this year's program recipients to achieve great outcomes.”

For more information on SA Water’s Community Partnerships Program, visit sawater.com.au.

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