Farmyard needs farm equipment

Farmers who would like to clean up their properties of old farm machinery are urged to donate to the 70 Lowe Street farmyard.

The farms of the region are littered with old farm machinery, but the East Grampians Health Service aged care facility has a farmyard just calling out for an old tractor, plough or hay rake to add to the display.

The 70 Lowe Street yard has lifelike statues of farm animals and is complemented by a huge mural painted by Ararat artist Janette Lucas, which features farm animals, buildings and people.

“The farm environment and mural are part of our Montessori Model of Care,” EGHS chief executive Nick Bush said.

“The Montessori Model of Care is a core component of ‘Improved Living in Aged Care’ and aims to fulfil the vision of independence and improved self-esteem for residents through environmental cueing, such as the very lifelike farmyard.

“The residents love their farm environment, particularly those who are originally off the land. It is great to see them reminiscing about their formative years of living rurally.”

Anyone who would like to donate a piece of old farm machinery to 70 Lowe Street should contact Bernadette Cincotta on 5352 9323.