Teamwork delivers new aviary for booming budgie population at St Agnes' House

In early July, the residents at St Agnes' House in Lochinvar Place were excited to greet some new arrivals in the form of baby budgerigars, which set in motion a project to upgrade the on-site aviary.

The St Agnes' House lifestyle coordinator, Cheryl Winbank, and pastoral care worker Steve Jenkins were instrumental in involving residents in the purchase, planning and construction of the new larger aviary to house the birds.

The project involved a cement slab being laid, the assembly and placement of a pre-cut aviary and the interior made ready with perches and nests for its new tenants.

The work occurred before the statewide COVID lockdown.

St Agnes' site manager Tracy Baker, who called on the skills of her husband Matthew and son Dan, both tradesman in the construction industry, to help with the project, said it was wonderful to see the enthusiastic involvement of the residents.

"This project proves, yet again, the profoundly positive effect pet therapy has on resident wellbeing," Tracy said.

Cheryl said everyone was enjoying the birds having more room to fly.

"To think, we started with one lonely budgie; then we had three donated by a resident's family; and another two donated by a St Agnes' House resident; to now having nine including three hatchlings at St Agnes' House," she said.

"The residents are so delighted to hear the natter of the birds, to be interacting with them and to be caring for them."

Steve Jenkins from the pastoral care team said it had been wonderful to be part of the project.

"It's fantastic bringing the residents together for this common project, which is having a real impact on their lives," he said.

"They love to see the birds nesting and to watch their eggs hatching.

"Being close to nature and the circle of life is a great way to renew the spirit. The birds, which have become quite tame, are bringing the residents a lot of joy."

When the budgies, hatchings and eggs were transferred to their new home on August 6, Deacon Prodencio Bognay was on hand to give it a special blessing.

The residents, overjoyed with the results, extended a huge thank you to everyone involved in bringing the project to fruition.

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