Winner announced: Good Cause Giveaway

Mission Australia’s DAYS Youth Withdrawal and Respite Centre courtyard is the winner of the Good Cause Giveaway, a competition by Street Furniture Australia, AILA National and AILA WA to find a local charity project to receive a donation of break-out furniture from the 2021 International Festival of Landscape Architects, held in Perth in October.

Peta-Maree Ashford, Director of Emerge Associates and landscape architect for the project, said, “There are no words that will do justice to the absolute joy I am feeling at this donation to the Mission Australia DAYS project. Our small budget was organised by Property Council Australia through crowd funding and favours provided by a strong construction community, especially LD TOTAL and Benara Nurseries. I was dizzy with the amount of goodwill freely offered.

“Of all our projects in 2020, this has provided the most reward through the sheer act of giving. As our budget didn’t extend to furniture this is so welcome and appreciated. The seats are going to finish the space and bring more joy to the DAYS clients and staff. Sincere thanks to the judges and Street Furniture Australia for recognising this project.”

Andrea Rennals, Acting Regional Leader WA, Community Services with Mission Australia, said, “A big thank you to Street Furniture Australia for their generous donation and recognising the value of DAYS – it will really put the finishing touches on our garden space. 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.

“We are extremely thankful for the support we have received from the Property Council of WA, Emerge Associates, LD Total, Rural Stone Company, Mission Australia Housing, and Benara Nurseries, especially for getting us to the finish line during COVID-19. This project is a wonderful example of many coming together for a common cause to help our young people.”

The DAYS residential program supports young people aged 12-21 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, with a holistic people-centred approach and a comprehensive range of free and confidential alcohol and other drug services. The courtyard provides a safe outdoor space to facilitate reflection, healing and recovery and is a 2021 AILA WA and National award-winning project.

Mission Australia DAYS courtyard. Photo: Emerge Associates.

Multiple entries for the Good Cause Giveaway were received from landscape architects, with projects benefiting very worthy causes. The entries were evaluated by a panel of Katharina Nieberler-Walker, representing AILA National; Shea Hatch, representing AILA WA; and June Lee Boxsell and Chris Goris from Street Furniture Australia.

Katharina Nieberler-Walker, Director of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, said, “Selecting the winner focused on achieving the greatest benefit and enjoyment for the recipient. In the end it came down to selecting the project with the biggest impact on the community.”

Shea Hatch, President of AILA WA, said, “What a hard task to judge the submissions, all were worthy nominees who would benefit from the street furniture; truly a testament to the important role good quality street furniture plays in activating our spaces.

“We felt the bright furniture would really suit the courtyard and make the space more usable. Being outdoors and in natural spaces is a huge benefit to our social and mental health and wellbeing and we hope the selection of this furniture for this space will make the residents’ time at the facility more enjoyable and ultimately successful.”

The donation of five premium Linea Seats – valued at more than $9000 – consists of three 1-seaters and two 2-seaters, powder coated in fade-resistant DuraBright greens and yellows.

Street Furniture Australia would like to thank all entrants, the judging panel and AILA for their time and effort. A WA regional school will also receive a donation of furniture, with details soon to be announced.

Hero photo: AILA WA.

Five Linea Seats will go to a new home with Mission Australia.