Visitors to Serendip Sanctuary can now enjoy a richer, more inclusive experience with the opening of a stunning new all-abilities Sensory Garden, a project proudly supported through a sponsorship partnership between CDC Victoria, CMV Truck & Bus and Volvo Bus.
The garden marks a major milestone in the revitalisation of the You Yangs precinct, offering families, schools and visitors of all abilities a deeper connection to nature through sight, smell, sound, taste and touch.
A Garden Designed for Everyone
The new sensory garden has been thoughtfully designed to engage all five senses, with dedicated spaces that invite visitors to explore nature in new ways:
- See: vibrant native plants framed through windows and planter boxes
- Smell: fragrant flora surrounding timber seating perfect for relaxing
- Listen: birds and bees drawn to native plantings designed to attract wildlife
- Taste: edible bush foods such as Murnong, alongside a traditional grinding stone by artist Glenn Braybrook
- Feel: textured boulders, native plants and a hands-on water feature
Accessible pathways, resting spots and gentle gradients make the garden easy to explore for people of all ages and abilities.
The project was co‑designed with disability services, schools, community groups and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, ensuring the space reflects community needs and cultural values. The garden also features beautiful artwork and interpretation by Wadawurrung artist Jenna Oldaker.
A Special Day of Celebration
The garden was officially opened at a community event led by Member for Lara, Ella George, who described the space as:
“A beautiful place for families and people of all abilities to connect with the stunning natural environment at Serendip Sanctuary.”
The launch began with a moving water ceremony by Wadawurrung Elder Aunty Joy and her daughter Jenna Oldaker, setting a powerful cultural tone for the day.
CDC Victoria CEO Jeff Wilson spoke at the launch, highlighting the organisation’s pride in supporting the project.
“CDC is excited to be a part of this magnificent project. It’s a great space for all abilities — a wonderful thing for our community. We’ll be encouraging our staff to visit the garden with their families and friends. The cultural connection to Wadawurrung Country is beautifully woven into this project.”
Parks Victoria’s David Petty also emphasised the importance of community involvement:
“The landscape is naturally flat and accessible for walking or wheelchairs. The involvement of communities has been a highlight of this project — schools were involved, and so many lifelong connections have been made.”
This collaborative approach has resulted in a garden that is not only beautiful, but deeply connected to the people and culture of the region.
A Place to Explore, Learn and Connect
The new sensory garden is now open for all to enjoy, a space where families, schools, all-abilities groups and visitors can slow down, explore and connect with nature in meaningful ways.
CDC Victoria is proud to have played a role in bringing this project to life, and we look forward to seeing the community enjoy this special place for many years to come. Our involvement in projects like this reflects our broader commitment to sustainability, accessibility and meaningful community partnerships.
