Community Services Social Infrastructure Upgrades Project

Glen Innes’ new sensory garden has officially been opened after a $100,000 grant from Round 5 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund helped deliver the facility for the community.

The garden is part of Glen Innes Severn Council’s Life Choices Support Services (LC-SS) and is designed to engage all five senses.

It uses carefully selected plants, textured surfaces, water features and other elements to support individuals with sensory processing needs.

The project was spearheaded by GISC’s former manager of community services, the late Anthony Williams, and also stands as a legacy to his work in the Glen Innes community.

Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan attended the official opening of the new sensory garden and said is a great resource for the local community as an inclusive and relaxing space.

“The new sensory garden at Life Choices Support Services is great initiative designed to provide a quiet place for individuals and families,” he said.

“Congratulations to Glen Innes Severn Council and Anthony Williams for identifying the need for this resource in the community and securing the funding through the Stronger Country Communities Fund.”

Glen Innes Severn Council mayor Margot Davis emphasised the positive impact the project will have on the community.

“The Sensory Garden will provide valuable therapeutic benefits for individuals with sensory processing needs,” she said.

“Council remains dedicated to enhancing community infrastructure that fosters inclusivity, safety, and wellbeing - ensuring Glen Innes continues to be a welcoming and supportive place for families to live, work, and thrive.”

This media release was issued by the Office of Brendan Moylan MP, Member for Northern Tablelands.

Glen Innes Severn Council is excited to announce that work has begun on the Community Services Social Infrastructure Upgrades project, made possible by a $100,000 funding boost from Round 5 of the Stronger Country Communities grant. The project aims to enhance community facilities that support families and individuals in the region.

This funding will help deliver two key upgrades:

• The installation of a shade sail at Council’s Out of School Hours (OOSH) Care facility, that will provide protection for the community who attend playgroups, parenting classes, Out of School Hours (OOSH) Care and Vacation care, and
• The development of a Sensory Garden at Life Choices Support Services (LC-SS), designed to provide a calming, inclusive space for individuals with sensory processing needs. The LC-SS Sensory Garden will include landscaping, levelling and relaying of turf, a retaining wall, planting, footpath and seating.

Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Margot Davis welcomed the projects, emphasising their positive impact on the community and Council’s ongoing commitment to making Glen Innes a family-friendly place to live.

“This funding will improve essential facilities that support children and individuals with diverse needs. The addition of a shade sail at our OOSH Care facility ensures compliance with health and safety standards, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for children. Meanwhile, the Sensory Garden will provide valuable therapeutic benefits for individuals with sensory processing needs.

Council remains dedicated to enhancing community infrastructure that fosters inclusivity, safety, and wellbeing—ensuring Glen Innes continues to be a welcoming and supportive place for families to live, work, and thrive,” Cr Davis said.

The LC-SS Sensory Garden will be a purpose-built space designed to engage all five senses, featuring carefully selected plants, textured surfaces, calming water features and interactive elements. This space will serve as a soothing retreat and community hub that supports sensory learning, development and mental wellbeing.

Construction of the LC-SS Sensory Garden commenced on 10 February 2025, with an expected completion timeline of 12 weeks. The shade sail project is anticipated to be finalised by the end of the year.

The Community Services Social Infrastructure Upgrades project is one of three community facility upgrades funded under Round 5 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, secured by Glen Innes Severn Council in March 2023.

Proudly funded by the NSW Government and supported by Glen Innes Severn Council.