The Lake St Clair Charity Bike Ride is not only helping put Singleton on the map, it also raises money for local charities.
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This is the second year the Rotary Club of Singleton and Soft Cogs have hosted the ride and 107 riders took part on August 19.
Testament to the events success, they have been able to again donate a sizable sum to the Open Door Project at Singleton Neighbourhood Centre (SNC).
Last year the amount was $11 000 but on Thursday afternoon Rotary president, Anita White, and Soft Cogs president, Kim Nguyen, handed over a cheque for $15 000.
SNC, secretary, Sue George says the generous donation will allow them to employ a Mental Health Councillor to work one-day-week.
It is an exciting time for centre as they are finally seeing their long-term vision – the OpenDoor@SNC - come to fruition.
The is an innovative project has involved constructing a large shed next to the centre to provide:
- provide daily living facilities, shower, toilet, laundry for the disadvantaged in the community;
- provide a welcoming place for groups and organisations to meet;
- provide a place for support services to interact with the community.
However, getting to this point has been quite a journey as funding for infrastructure like this is hard to come by.
The Development Application was actually lodged in 2012 and it has taken a “whole of community effort” to get the shed built.
With groups like the Men’s Shed lending a hand and support from Glencore, Ashton Coal, the NSW Government - Community Building Partnership Grant and the Australian Government - Stronger Communities Program Grant.
But now the end it is sight – the doors are expected to open on February 5, 2018.
What was once just an empty shell is now fully lined, and the internal walls have been erected.
The tiles have been laid in the wet areas and various fixtures and fittings are being installed.
A well-appointed kitchen is scheduled to be fitted any day now.
Mrs George says all the local tradesman she has asked to help with the final stages have been very generous.
She says this includes David Hamilton (plastering), Terry Thompson (plumbing), John Bailey (electrical), Kustom Built (cabinets), Mark Rohan (tiling) and Valley Wide electrical (solar panels).
It is an exciting time for the SNC committee but now they are looking for volunteers to man the shed.
Mrs George says they need volunteers to man the shed from 8:30am to 11:30am each day.
“This is when we want those is need to come and utilise the facility,” she explains.
“They can do their washing, use the bathroom and have breakfast then after this time we can use the shed for other activities.”
She says anyone interested in helping out will be offered free training.
This training will be provided through the Accidental Counselling Course offered by Lifeline and this is being funded by Glencore.
Contact Sue George on 0409369102, the SNC office on 65712499 or alternatively, you can email:snc5@bigpond.com.
