Industry funds upgrades to Mission Australia youth facility

A new therapy garden has been completed at Mission Australia’s Drug and Alcohol Youth Service (DAYS) in East Perth, thanks to funding from Property Council WA members.

The almost $13,000 that was raised at last year’s Women in Property Lunch has contributed towards the upgrade of an outdoor garden area at Mission Australia’s youth withdrawal and respite service.

DAYS is the only youth-specific withdrawal unit in Western Australia and provides a safe and supported short-stay residential environment to help young people aged 12-21 years to manage their withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs and take time out from environmental influences and pressures.

The new therapy garden aims to bring healing and respite to some of Perth’s most vulnerable young people as they face challenging periods in their lives.

Mission Australia State Director WA, Jo Sadler, Property Council WA Executive Director Sandra Brewer and AMP Capital Divisional Development Manager WA, Scott Nugent attended DAYS in East Perth last Thursday for an official reveal of the new garden alongside DAYS clients and staff.

Ms Brewer said, “Property Council WA and its members recognise the importance of spaces like the healing garden in supporting young Western Australians in their moment of need.”

“We look forward to continuing to work together to support Mission Australia to deliver these crucial, life-changing projects.”

Mission Australia State Director WA Jo Sadler said it was exciting to see the project come to fruition.

“This new garden will positively impact the youth who access this service by providing them with a safe space to reflect and connect with nature.”

“We engaged with our DAYS clients on what the design of the garden should be and we have been able to incorporate their ideas into the design,” she said.

“We are extremely thankful for the support we have received from the Property Council of WA, Emerge Associates, LD Total Landscaping, Rural Stone Company, Mission Australia Housing, and Benara Nurseries, especially for getting us to the finish line especially during COVID-19.” Ms Sadler said.

For more information about Mission Australia’s Drug and Alcohol Youth Service (DAYS) visit www.missionaustralia.com.au