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Araluen, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Veterans take a walk in the park

The Araluen Botanic Park Foundation, south east of Perth, has been able to increase access to its World War I memorial with a grant from the Department.

Some 100,000 people a year visit the botanic park, with its rows of heritage buildings, exotic trees and cascading waterfalls. About 50 per cent of visitors are over 60, with some being impaired by frailty and age.

During 2001, following strong public feedback, the park foundation embarked on a program to provide even the most physically challenged veterans with a chance to experience what is Western Australia's second most popular botanic garden.

"The older veterans used to come and just look from the bus window," says manager Rod Ross. "Since we purchased five motorised scooters they have been able to get out, have a look around and experience the beauty of the park up close."

About 20 hectares of Araluen Botanic Park is linked by paved walkways, so the new scooters give older and immobile visitors a chance to see quite a lot of the 59-hectare park.

"The older veterans used to come and just look from the bus window," says manager Rod Ross. "Since we purchased five motorised scooters they have been able to get out, have a look around and experience the beauty of the park up close."

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This includes the Grove of the Unforgotten - a memorial to 88 members of the Young Australia League who died in World War I.

Every year the park foundation hosts a Remembrance Day service. "People who couldn't come before are able to now," Rod says. "It's just wonderful."

Rod says the scooters have given veterans with mobility problems renewed independence and enjoyment, which also provides benefits to families and carers.

"We hire the scooters, or gophers as we call them, out to visitors for a modest fee. That covers the cost to maintain them," says Rod. Priority is given to DVA cardholders.

"Visitors can bring along a grandparent, even if that grandparent is not able to operate the scooter on their own. All the families have to do is walk alongside with the controls. It beats pushing a wheelchair."

Rod says this project is probably a first for botanic gardens in Australia and an idea that is likely to be used by others elsewhere.

"We've had terrific feedback from visitors and other organisations," he says. "After seeing the outcomes, applying for this grant really was worth the effort."

Attracting veterans

Project: to improve access to the garden for veterans by purchasing five electric scooters.

Grant value: $20,000

Community benefits: increased independence for veterans.

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