When a service organisation like Rotary, partners with a
service organisation like The Royal Flying Doctor Service, the synergy is
described as amazing. The outcome of this project to date has exceeded
everyone’s expectations.
During all October and half November 5 of the 9 properties
requested for attention by volunteers facilitated by the Rotary e-club of
NextGen were embraced and enhanced to varying extents. Two properties are fully
refurbished; the others are under way with no impact on usage.
Volunteers arrived for varying periods and applied a great
range of skills, dedication and perseverance.
They were complimented by local Rotary members and others as well as
some Flying Doctor staff. Some local businesses showed generosity to the
project. Tafe College Staff were keen to engage but existing commitments and
the nature of work available for the course students at this time could not be
matched up. Some volunteers who were keen to come have delayed their visit to a
time next year. Some Rotary clubs are considering adopting a house to
rejuvenate next cool season.
All volunteers have been totally devoted to the many and
varied tasks known and discovered during the course of work. Above all they
have been most impressed with the Flying Doctor support including offer of
accommodation, use of utility vehicle, accounts in town for our purchases,
general interest and physical support by managers and director, as well as the hosting
of wonderful friendship evenings at great restaurants enabling a deeper
appreciation of the real service to rural and remote Australia.
Bligh Street residence looked straight forward until we got
behind the cracked paint, infill plaster and then learnt how to paint in 40
degree heat. Outside began with removal of many huge Agave plant clusters,
shrubs and a massive Bougainvillea entangled in the elevated front fence. The
new internal paint colour scheme, refreshed exterior painting, plantings and
new curtains touched off a great job.
Kookaburra Street was a different challenge as we knew we
had a water damaged internal wall from the cooling system. We did not expect
other walls to have to be fully stripped also but it is all now fine. Full gaping
and repainting, door latches, smoke alarm, screens, kitchen cupboard door
refinishing, wardrobe doors adjusted and a bathroom refit were carried out.
Outside eaves, fascia and gutter repaint as well as extensive alfresco area and
timber decking resealed. Scrub and bougainvillea were removed and replaced with
a shade cloth fence screen and golden canes planted and irrigation installed.
The final touch was new donated curtains, a full external pressure clean and a
new letterbox.
Hinkler Street received a full external work over. Pressure
cleaned externally as well as within the double garage. Outer rear garage area
cleared and resurfaced, shade cloth pool surround re-tied, scrub, shrubs and
grass removed, along with sundry general tip items. Rear unit cleaned and
patched and holes in roof sealed and toilet cistern replaced. Black external
steel work painted including front fence. Golden canes planted in front garden
and set to a donated irrigation controller system. The interior is set for
another time and we thank the doctor for allowing external access at little
notice.
Duchess Street has an area cleared, prepared and a design
created for a communal service area and BBQ with landscaping and shading.
Zinifex shade protection reroofing has gone to quotes for
supply and may be the subject of a Tafe training project with appropriate
We thank all the friendly doctors, all the cheery staff and
all the people we involved including several neighbours. Also local Rotary
members and past members and others including plumbers who we convinced should
lend a hand. We thank Elite Caravans for their sponsorship and AAOK Caravan
Park for hosting volunteers.
When wonderful understanding volunteers come to an isolated
city to help an iconic rural and remote health service with benefits that far
outweigh any donations that can be made from humble sausage sizzles the best is
brought out in everyone. Service activities like this bring people together who
would not normally meet, to do things for others, who in the case of the Royal
Flying Doctor Service Queensland Section, are in turn serving the vast outback
remote communities of the country. What a fantastic service story.
Volunteers include:
Stuart and Linda; Lindsay; Michael and Janet; Andrew;
Gordon; Julie; Laura; Chebani; Clem and Ian; Peter; Stephanie; Ian and Heather.
Many volunteer hours were contributed.
For more information please contact our e-Club liaison Service Director.