Water Corporation grant used to create mindfulness garden at Beagle Bay

Early learning students at Beagle Bay Sacred Heart School now have a peaceful space to focus on mindfulness, thanks to funds provided by Water Corporation through its West Kimberley Community Grants Scheme.

The garden is designed for sensory play and to provide students with a quiet place to experience good feelings, or liyan, in the local Nyul Nyul language. 

Water Corporation North West Regional Manager, Rino Trolio, said the garden was beneficial for the student’s mental health and encouraged waterwise values.

“It is important for the next generation to develop an appreciation of nature and the importance of water at a young age,” Mr Trolio said.

“I am thrilled to see the West Kimberley Community Grants Scheme fund projects aimed at supporting young Aboriginal students living in remote areas.”

Beagle Bay Sacred Heart School Teacher, Nancye Spiteri, said the garden formed part of the school’s wellbeing curriculum.

“Nature play significantly improves all aspects of child development – physical, cognitive, social and emotional,” Ms Spiteri said.

“The new garden has provided our students with a designated quiet space where they can play, or just sit peacefully and enjoy their surroundings. 

“We thank Water Corporation and the Lions Club Broome for helping to make this project possible.”

Since the West Kimberley Community Grants Scheme began in 2016, Water Corporation has provided $111,721 in funding for 20 projects which benefit the Kimberley community.

The next round of funding for the grants scheme will open in March 2019. For more information visit www.watercorporation.com.au/wkcgrants