Here at Banksia we often receive generous and thoughtful donations from our friends and supporters, but a recent gift of 25 beautiful koi fish has brought some extra special joy to our residential aged care and retirement community.
The koi were donated by Craig Burnes, a specialist koi breeder and the owner of Albatross Aquaculture near Jervis Bay. Craig has a long family association with Banksia Village, which is the reason behind his generous gift. Craig’s grandmother was one of Banksia’s very first retirement village residents while his aunt, Bev, has lived in the Village since 2006.
The original pond in Banksia Village
Having a number of koi that had passed their breeding age, and knowing the tranquility and pleasure they would bring to our residents, Craig decided to donate the fish to Banksia. He came down personally to see the fish properly re-homed in our two ponds, one of which is adjacent to his gran’s former villa. The second pond is behind Banksia Lodge, our residential aged care facility, so residents can enjoy being outdoors with the relaxing sound of the water fountains and now the beautiful fish.
Our koi have settled in beautifully to their new homes and our Maintenance staff have taken on their feeding and general care.
In some traditions, koi symbolise harmony and happiness and they are definitely living up to that reputation. Craig’s generous donation has brought such pleasure and interest to our residents, especially at Banksia Lodge where the new deck overlooks the pond and the koi can often be clearly seen.
The new pond overlooked by Banksia Lodge
Thank you, Craig, for such a thoughtful and meaningful donation!
Did you know?
Koi are large colourful fish from the carp family, often kept in water gardens or outdoor ponds for decorative purposes. Highly prized for their different colours and scale patterns, they can be avidly sought after and change hands for thousands of dollars.
Koi symbolism
As well as symbolising harmony and happiness, Koi are also a cultural symbol for overcoming adversity, given their ability to swim against currents and even travel upstream. Other characteristics associated with koi include:
- Good fortune
- Success
- Prosperity
- Longevity
- Courage
- Ambition
- Perseverance.
Koi colour meanings
- Kohaku – a white body with red spots, symbolizes career success.
- Kumonryu – white body and black spots, or an all-black body, symbolising life changes and transformations.
- Ogon – solid, silver colour, success in business and wealth.
- Kuchibeni – white and red patterned koi (often referred to as the “lipstick” fish,) represents love and long lasting relationships.
- Yamabuki – gold, representing wealth and riches.
Posted 30 November 2017