Accessible, inclusive and functional are three words that best describe the newly refurbished pavilion at Myuna Farm that was officially opened last week.
Located in Doveton, Myuna Farm is the City of Casey's community farm offering annual events and workshops, school excursions and interactive animal experiences for locals and visitors. It's also home to several programs and services operating from the facility including Riding Develops Abilities (RDA) Inc. and Dandenong Learning Centre campus.
As part of the endorsed Myuna Farm Master Plan, Council worked alongside RDA volunteers to identify opportunities to enhance the functionality of the existing pavilion at the farm and improve the farm experience for all.
Works saw the demolition and construction of a new amenities area, a new compliant access ramp system, and a wheelchair accessible viewing platform and seating area to better cater to the needs of the riders, volunteers and visitors.
To celebrate the completion of the project, an event was held on Friday 24 May 2024 where City of Casey's Chair of Administrators, Noelene Duff PSM was joined by Gabrielle Williams MP, State Member for Dandenong, Glenn Patterson, City of Casey CEO, Tanya Twaits, President of RDA Victoria, Claire Altmann, President RDA Myuna Farm and several other representatives involved in the project.
"With so many valuable organisations who operate from this space on daily basis, it was important for Council to hear the challenges these groups face and how we can support their ongoing operations and address building compliance concerns," Ms Duff said.
"The upgraded pavilion, particularly the addition of a changing places toilet, ensures that members of our community with a disability and high support needs, have access to suitable bathroom facilities."
The Myuna Farm changing places toilet is one of many operating in Casey, including one at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren and Casey Stadium, Cranbourne that is available for community use.
Also speaking during the opening, president of RDA Victoria, Tanya Twaits provided an insight into her son's experience with the program. "I was re-introduced to RDA Victoria 5 years ago when our son started at our local centre in Daylesford. He sometimes arrives feeling anxious, but once he is on the back of his horse, Titan all that changes. He's like a flower opening in the sunshine, he relaxes and talks nonstop to the volunteers!".
The upgrade works were made possible with support from the Victorian Government's Growing Suburbs Fund with a grant of $351,105. Council invested $30,895 to the pavilion upgrades.
(Image caption: Rider Sebastian alongside RDAV Volunteer, City of Casey's Chair of Administrators, Noelene Duff PSM, Tanya Twaits, President of RDA Victoria and Gabrielle Williams MP, State Member for Dandenong.)
