It’s amazing how local projects can eventuate from the smallest things. Libby Kain (wife of Peter, a member of Belconnen Rotary) happened to notice a Facebook post from the Chair (Maritta Heiller) of the “Project Independence Latham Group” seeking the provision of a large umbrella to provide some shade in the sun-bleached area of their common area. A long story short – we followed up with the group and decided that we may be able to achieve something a little more substantial.
Project Independence is an organisation that provides people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to acquire equity in a property, as well as the ability to live as independently as possible.
We worked with Maritta from Project Independence and eventually settled on a quote from Stratco to erect their “Outback Patio Cover” over the area in the backyard. While the process seemed a little slow at first in obtaining approvals, etc. it eventually fell into place and the structure was erected in December. In the meantime, Belconnen Rotary approached Canberra Rotaract to ascertain if they would like to consider providing an outdoor setting for the area which they gratefully accepted. They were able to negotiate with Temple & Webster and obtained the setting at the end of January. The residents then had an opportunity for a bit of “hands on” effort to put this together and, over two days, this was accomplished (after a few minor errors along the way – we’ve all been there, I’m sure!).
On Saturday (15 Feb) we celebrated the completion of the project when the residents and their carers invited members of the Rotary Club of Belconnen and Canberra Rotaract, plus their families, to a sausage bbq. It was a great opportunity for us to see some of our efforts coming to fruition and to understand the impact that this are will now have for the residents. Michael Classenes (CEO of PI Canberra) extended his thanks to Rotary and Rotaract for their support followed by Maritta and Steve Giorgioni (Operations Manager) who apprised us on the impact that the area was already having for the residents. Peter Kain provided some of the background and the lead up to this event and best wishes for the use of the facility were extended by Wayne Jeffs (President of Belconnen Rotary) and Sasha Kimber (President of Canberra Rotaract).
