GILLIAN’S Rainbow Bridge Project broke ground on their newest activity for children facing difficulties in life last week.
The project is a farm-based learning and healing program for children facing difficulties in life and school groups to experience opportunities they may not have in their day-to-day lives.
The most recent activity for the Gillian’s Rainbow Bridge is the planting and cultivation of a sensory and edible garden for the children to build and maintain.
Yarra Ranges councillor Fiona McAllister helped to plant the first tree, a mulberry tree, in the garden area.
Gillian’s Rainbow Bridge was set up in memorial for Gillian Conrad, who was a veterinary nurse with the dream of helping children facing difficulties and abused animals heal and develop together.
She was known for comforting and supporting clients of the veterinary practice when their beloved pets were put to sleep, including sending them a poem called Rainbow Bridge.
Gillian died suddenly of an asthma attack when she was 32 years old but her mother Annette Conrad has carried on her beloved daughter’s dream.
The project is designed to give children from single parent families, children who have a disabled parent or parent with a mental illness, children who have experienced bullying or have a lack of confidence, and any young person who may not have the opportunities their peers have to experience something new and gain new skills and friends.
The Healesville farm had an open day of sorts last week to invite prospective sponsors, project managers and council members to get an understanding of what the project offers.
“A relaxed atmosphere is so important here,” Ms Conrad said.
“There is no pressure on the children here and they are invited to be as involved as they like,” she said.
“We find they want to get in there and help out because it’s new and fun for them.”
Cr McAllister had a tour of the farm to see what the project is about and to discuss possible funding options with Ms Conrad.
“This is the first time the council has had an introduction to the project,” Cr McAllister said.
“I think the council would be happy to support this project into the future.”
Most of the animals at the farm are recue animals that may have also had a tough start in life and the one of the main aims of the project is for children and animals to form a bond with one another.
“It’s about co-healing where the children and the animals learn from and connect with each other,” Ms Conrad said.
Noah has been attending the project for about seven weeks and really enjoys the time he gets to spend on the farm.
“My favourite thing about the farm is being with the animals,” Noah said.
“I can see when they are stressed and I’m pretty good at managing the animals.”
When asked about his favourite animal at the farm, Noah said he liked all of them but there were a few standouts for him.
“I love Rosie the pony,” he said.
“She’s easy to handle and pretty calm but I also like the calves too.”
The program mainly caters to 6-12 year olds and is mostly funded by grants from charities and community groups, donations from businesses and individuals as well as fund-raising.
“We understand it’s difficult for everyone and we don’t expect money from anyone but we never say no to any donation,” said Ms Conrad said.
Also in attendance last week were representatives from various community organisations that are interested in either funding or getting involved in the project.
Students from Swinburne University’s ‘Business without borders’ program were lending a hand as well as Jeorgiah from Edinburgh College in Lilydale, who is doing a placement with the farm for the Duke of Edinburgh award.
Liz Binnie from the Bank of Melbourne was there looking into possible funding options and described that project as “such as good cause”.
David Cumming from Discovery Community Care was also at the farm to discuss the work for the dole program his organisation is partnering with the farm for.
“The program is yet to be approved,” he said.
“It aims to get the long term unemployed into projects where they come out and enjoy the environment.”
