Much-loved attractions at Springmount’s The Tangled Maze will stay, says Child and Family Services (CAFS) Ballarat, the community service organisation that purchased the property at auction last week.
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The maze, mini golf, landscaped gardens and indoor ice rink will be used as part of the organisation’s plan for a therapy farm at the site.
CAFS acting CEO Justin Eastcott said there was an opportunity to open the property to the public and continue commercial activities, in an effort toward financial self-sustainability.
“What was so appealing about this property was the existing infrastructure here and the fact it is ready for use,” Mr Eastcott said.
In addition to the well-known maze, the property also holds a function centre, previously used for weddings, with the capacity to hold up to 200 people.
“We have no plans to change the existing infrastructure, but there is the potential to build on it and expand,” Mr Eastcott said.
CAFS will spend the next two months developing detailed plans for The Tangled Maze site, before settlement date in mid-February.
Mr Eastcott said the organisation’s vision for the site was to run an extension of CAFS programs in a country environment.
“We have done a lot of research on the benefits of applying social work in a rural environment,” he said.
“It has been found to improve engagement with kids. One of the things that stood out for us is an increase in school participation.”
Toni Gillett, CAFS program manager family violence, housing and family relations, will be involved in developing the therapy farm programs.
“There are benefits in having outdoor activities for children and families affected by long term trauma. It helps with healing,” Ms Gillett said.
“Trauma can include domestic and family violence, neglect, attachment issues, and trauma from having different homes. Being out in an environment like this, kids can restore themselves in a different way. We know sitting in therapy rooms is not for everyone.
“Look at the staff out here today. It brings a person back to their childhood of playing with animals, looking at butterflies. It gives the opportunity for a child to be a child.”
Specific plans are not yet developed for the therapy farm, but CAFS staff will look at models like music and art therapy, activities including the mini golf and the maze, learning life skills in the kitchen, and interacting with animals.
“When children have experienced trauma for long periods of time their heart rate heightens, so they are always on edge, always on the fight or flight instinct, and they are always looking for the next incident, or the next rejection to occur, or the next cut off from an attachment,” Ms Gillett said.
“Being in an outdoor environment actually reduces their heart rate, so you can start to work with them in a calmer way.”
CAFS purchased The Tangled Maze at auction for just over $1 million on Friday, December 15.
“We are excited about the potential of this site,” Ms Gillett said.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
