City2City to make 'huge impact' for Nolan House courtyard

Eighty per cent of proceeds from this year's event will go to the space at the acute mental health unit, which currently consists of shade, tables and a sparse garden.

Nolan House nurse unit manager Jess Cullen said plans were ready to redo the area.

"The number one piece of feedback we receive from people coming through Nolan House is that they find there isn't a lot to do," she said.

"The courtyard is a great space, but at the moment it's under-utilised.

"With the implementation of some vegetable gardens, we can bring in horticultural and cooking programs.

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"We're also hoping for an outdoor chessboard, tennis table and other outdoor activities that aren't currently on offer."

Friends of Nolan House president Les Schmutter said based on past City2City proceeds, around $90,000 would be contributed to the overall project cost of $140,000.

"I met with [Albury Wodonga Health chief executive] Michael Kalimnios, who indicated any shortcomings would be met by AWH," he said.

"It will improve the appearance of the walls and the gardens will be fully planted.

"This is fantastic, because the new building [for Nolan House] won't happen for three to five years, and there's a lot of healing to be done in seven days, let alone seven months."

Mr Schmutter said his group was continuing to push for a new facility.

"Nobody has put their hand up with the dollars for that to happen," he said.

"The facility is inadequate for the needs of a quarter-of-a-million people in Albury-Wodonga and surrounds.

"After this [courtyard] project is finished all the energy should be directed on working towards that."

An $80,000 therapy garden separate to the courtyard is also being constructed, with funding from AWH, the Commercial Club and Friends of Nolan House.

Mrs Cullen said the revival of the unit's outdoor spaces was exciting.

"It's going to have a huge impact, and hopefully for some it will lead to a reduced length of stay," she said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Nolan House's courtyard redevelopment was announced as the City2City 2020 beneficiary in November, and the event committee decided in January to direct 20 per cent of proceeds to the Border Trust Bushfire Relief fund.

The two causes will receive all registration fees from four walk and run events, including a new 15-kilometre course that has an additional loop running along the Murray River behind the Gateway Village complex.

Registrations will be open until 5pm on Saturday at www.city2city.org.au.