The run was made by Deniliquin Menshed, who donated the materials and their time.
Navorina clinical care manager Amanda Cleary-Schofield said the run has already been well received, particularly by the residents who once ran their own farms.
‘‘Lots of studies show people living in residential facilities can experience high levels of depression, some because the individual does not feel they have a purpose,’’ she said.
‘‘So the new chook run will provide a purpose for many of our residents and is something to look at and be interactive with.
‘‘Lots of our residents come from farms and have had chickens their whole lives, so they have a high level of expertise and will be able to teach us and others about and how to care for them.
‘‘The talented group at the Deniliquin Menshed have worked hard to ensure the chook run is accessible to all residents, whatever their ability, and we are incredibly grateful for their collaboration on this project.
‘‘I think this is a great example of how community organisations can work together to enhance the life experience of all community members.’’
Menshed member Ian Hunter said the chook run is just the start of the group’s plan to enhance the activities on offer at Navorina.
‘‘Along with the chook house we will build and install raised vegetable gardens, which we believe will be a great benefit to residents,’’ he said.
‘‘The chook run took us about three weeks to make, and we are proud to be associated with it.
‘‘Everything was able to be donated, including two chickens, labour and materials, and we look forward to seeing this as something residents can enjoy and to bring back some normality in their lives.’’
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