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Over a period of nine months from September 2021, Creative Recycling Centre coordinated and the design, construction and installation of the Safe Harbour Therapy Garden project for Act for Kids. Act for Kids, which has helped 230 Gladstone children since it opened its doors in Gladstone, was the 2021 major community beneficiary of Gladstone Ports Corporation’s first Port to Park FunD Run. The Port to Park FunD Run is a community FunD run coordinated by Gladstone Ports Corporation to support and enhance the Gladstone community by raising funds for local schools and a major community beneficiary.
The beneficiary funds were used to create a fun, engaging, and safe outdoor space for active and creative play at the Act for Kids premises. The outdoor space was a collaboration between Creative Recycling Centre and local artist Rosemary Anderson, with the support of CRC’s volunteers and the Gladstone Men’s Shed. In addition to the outdoor space, local artist Tracey Smith undertook a series of creative workshops with Act for Kids staff and for children and their families to produce artwork for the new premises. Overall this project was designed for visual enhancement, active and imaginative play, sensory and auditory stimulation and establishing connections with staff and families.
Some elements, including the seahorse, mosaics, fantasy tree decorations and garden wall included CRC led workshops with the children and families to create these pieces.
This garden also demonstrates how recycling can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Many of the garden elements were created using recycled materials such as milk bottles, plastic bowls, beach toys, casement windows, tiles, cable drums, and kitchenware that would have otherwise been sent to landfill. The project was completed in stages, with a working bee held at the end of May 2022 to undertake the final installation. Our wonderful team of CRC volunteers contributed over 250 volunteer hours to this project! Edible Hanging Garden
Recycled Musical Wall
Mosaics in Casement Windows
Seahorse Sculpture
Obstacle Course & Tepee
Indoor Elements & Creative Workshops
Over a period of a month ,14 creative sessions were on offer for the children of Act for kids in the Gladstone region to participate in 2 collaborative art pieces focusing on “what helps us heal”.
The process involved each group starting with a brain storming session around “what helps them heal” the children were eager to share their ideas and tools they believed could help other children. The children also identified colours that they said that assisted them with their healing. The groups moved through a variety of stages and processes and they worked together as a team to creatively represent their ideas and story. During this process we captured some of their narratives. Here are some of their words : “Jumping in waves makes me happy “. C 10 years old “ Feet in the water soothes my body “ R 13 years old “Talking to friends and telling them how you feel”. C 10 years old “I’m happy being outdoors I feel free”. C 10 years old. “I love rainbows they make me feel calm”. M 10 years “Heart shaped leaves give out peace” E 9 years “ Being kind to nature makes me happy” A 6 years “Hugging my cats helps me heal” E 9 years “My body feels safe and happy in nature” P 10 years “Frogs makes me happy they have a sticky tongues they make me laugh and tell me when the rain is coming.” M 10 A total of 14 children contributed in these panels and were supported by both Carers and parents. The finished artworks are now displayed proudly in the foyer of their new building.
The Outdoor Space - Before Photos...
Creative Recycling Centre would like to thank these individuals, local businesses and organisations for their contributions to this project:
Media Releases - For more stories about this project
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