RWAV through its VicOutreach program co-funded an innovative project to provide a dedicated space for ‘Elders’ of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and their families, based at IPC Health’s Wyndham Vale Campus. The official opening of the Elders Community Lounge was held on the 30th of March.
The lounge provides a ‘drop in’ space along with a calendar of events such as healthy eating workshops and diabetes clinics, supported in a culturally enriching environment where the community feels connected. RWAV is funding the establishment of the community garden under the Indigenous Nutrition Program. In addition, the Nutrition Program will run a number of education and health promotion activities including cooking workshops to encourage interest and knowledge in food selection and safe food handling workshops. The community garden will enable the Elders to grow their own fresh fruit, vegetables and bush tucker will promote, healthy eating and exercise through gardening and sustainability in a culturally appropriate space.
The Elders Community Lounge will also increase access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families to better connect with one another and with health professionals and allied health workers, in a dedicated space.
