West Wimmera Health Service is proud to announce the completion of a major redevelopment project at Iona Gardens, bringing new life, colour, and purpose to the facility’s outdoor spaces. What was once a plain and impractical environment has been reimagined into a welcoming, accessible, and engaging area designed to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for all residents.

Prior to the redevelopment, Iona Gardens’ outdoor areas were uninviting and unsuitable for many residents. Pathways were uneven and too narrow for walking aids, garden beds and plants were non-existent, and there were no practical activities available. The boundary fences were high and dull in colour, cutting residents off visually and emotionally from the outside world. The absence of a water feature and other sensory elements meant there was little stimulation or enjoyment to be found in the courtyard spaces.

The transformation has changed all of that. The courtyard has been extended to include the northern frontage along Nelson Street, and now features new pool-style fencing, allowing residents to view and feel connected to the community beyond the walls. New exposed aggregate concrete paths wind throughout the courtyards, designed with wider dimensions and curved corners to improve mobility and ease of use for residents using walking aids. These paths lead back to their starting point and include rest stops along the way, with bench seats creatively made from recycled spanners and steel wagon wheels.

The once drab fences have been revitalised with colourful murals depicting familiar local landmarks, helping to spark memories and brighten the space. Raised garden beds have been installed at accessible heights and planted with perfumed roses and sensory plants, offering residents the opportunity to engage in therapeutic gardening and enjoy tactile and aromatic experiences. Some beds have been specifically designed for wheelchair access, supporting participation in the kitchen garden initiative where residents can grow herbs and vegetables. Miniature watering cans are available for daily use, ensuring gardening activities are user-friendly and enjoyable.

As part of the kitchen gardens initiative, residents can now enjoy orchard-style garden beds with a wide range of fruit trees including apples, oranges, mandarins, lemons, finger limes, nectarines, and almonds. There are also smaller raised pots planted with miniature fruit trees, continuing the focus on accessible, home-grown produce which feeds back in to the meals we prepare from the kitchen. A garden tool display made from recycled pallets adds a rustic charm and practical element to the space.

To encourage physical activity and social engagement, a synthetic grass games area has been created for activities such as mini golf, croquet, and lawn bowls. A fidget board has been installed to support fine motor skills and help residents practise daily tasks reminiscent of times gone by. Animal sculptures throughout the courtyards—featuring kangaroos, emus, sheep, sheep dogs, rabbits, and chickens—bring local character and a sense of familiarity to the landscape. A regional signpost has also been installed as a tribute to the towns and places many residents have called home, while a traditional-style mailbox allows them to post letters, encouraging a sense of purpose and routine.

The centrepiece of the original garden, the water feature, has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Now filled with water lilies and soon to house fish, it offers another layer of sensory enjoyment and relaxation.

It was with great pleasure that the family descendants of Sylvia (Sylvie) Dahlenburg gathered on Wednesday, 29 October, to celebrate the official opening of the beautiful gardens and outdoor space created in her memory at Iona Nursing Home.

Following her passing, a bequest was made by her sisters in honour of both Sylvie and her husband Garn of Winiam East, who both spent time in care at Iona. With the dedication and input of Sylvie’s niece Leonie Feery (Krelle), coordination by Megan Webster, and the great work of Craig Henley and his maintenance team, the project has finally come to life.

Born in Nhill in 1921, Sylvie’s life was marked by love, hard work, and a passion for nature and community. Alongside Garn, she farmed at Winiam East, bred award-winning Merino sheep, and helped pioneer Mallee Fowl conservation. Their legacy now lives on through the tranquil gardens at Iona — a lasting tribute to two much-loved members of the community. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Iona staff, WWHS management, and all involved in bringing this meaningful project to fruition.

This redevelopment is part of WWHS’s ongoing commitment to creating living environments that are not only safe and functional, but truly enhance the lives of those in our care. By designing with dignity, connection, and engagement in mind, the new Iona Gardens outdoor space offers residents the chance to reconnect with nature, community, and meaningful daily activities.

This article appeared in Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 12 November 2025.