A new cottage where people experiencing trauma can stay and seek help has been three years in the making, and was officially unveiled this week.
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The Quest for Life Foundation, which is a charity that provides programs and support to people experiencing illnesses, grief and trauma, had a celebration for the Banksia and Acacia units in Bundanoon.
Staff from the foundation, board members, builders, benefactors and supporters came along and admired the new accommodation on March 23.
Florist Fiona Nixon created two floral displays to commemorate the occasion - foliage from the retreat's gardens, flowers from her garden and from the one of the foundation's chefs flowers were brought together.
"It feels fantastic to have it up and fully functional, because the last two years have been extremely difficult for people recovering from the bushfires, floods and COVID, so our programs are in more demand than ever," said Quest for Life Foundation CEO Petrea King.
Up to eight people can stay in the four rooms when they take part in the charity's five day programs.
The cottage was a former amenities block that previously catered to the caravan park that was there prior to the foundation's facilities.
The CEO said it was also used to store archives and did not see use in demolishing the structure.
"...The refurbishment means it's been brought up to fabulous comfort level for our participants," she said.
The rooms are fully furnished, have two kitchenettes, bathrooms, double beds and a room that is wheelchair accessible.
The pandemic meant that the construction of the facility and adding final touches like blinds were delayed.
Ms King said the rooms could be used from next month.
The project's primary builder Mark Dobson, from Dobsonei Construction, said it was great to see it finished and how the building has transformed.
"It's totally changed," he said.
The inside underwent a major transformation with wall extensions, upgraded plumbing, slabs, cladding and windows.
Mr Dobson, an RFS volunteer in the region, said he has seen the benefits the charity's programs have had for other firefighters first-hand.
"More rooms makes it more feasible for bigger programs," he said.
Ms King was thankful for the community's support.
She said construction would commence in the future for larger accommodations to house people who are there for longer programs.
The Quest for Life Foundation will provide extended support to flood victims across northern and southern NSW and through on-location programs and allowing people to stay in Bundanoon if they need more support.
The foundation has helped over 125,000 people through their counselling and residential programs for more than 35 years.
More information about the charity and its programs can be found on https://questforlife.org.au/.
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Briannah Devlin
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
