Submitted by PP Peter Sindrey of Lakes Entrance, Project Manager
 
Four and a half years ago a grand project was conceived – to create a purpose-designed facility for the treatment of those in our community affected by alcohol and drug addiction. With the help of many donors, and significant grants from Federal and State Governments, the Hope Restart Centre has become a reality and its first residents are now arriving to undertake residential programs.
 
After more than a year of construction the Centre was planning a grand opening including a day for the community to view the whole site. Sadly, the COVID-19 challenges have meant that such an event is now on hold.
 
Since this facility was first conceived, the five Rotary Clubs in the East Gippsland Cluster have been great and generous supporters of the Centre, injecting many significant donations from the individual Clubs (Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale, Bairnsdale Sunrise, Mitchell River and Orbost).
 
Further support came in 2019, when these five Clubs decided to come together to make a further joint and tangible contribution to the Centre. During the last 12 months, the Cluster has designed and constructed a Gazebo to be used by residents. This structure will provide an outdoor facility to be used during family visits, to complement sporting activities and as a place where Counsellors can hold group therapy sessions.
 
With the help of a District Grant, enough funds were raised to undertake and complete the Gazebo Project.  In particular, three individuals worked on the task, from conception to completion.  Our thanks go to:

Peter Sindrey (Lakes Entrance) – project management

Geoff Carpenter (Bairnsdale Sunrise) – entire construction

Malcolm Findlay (Bairnsdale Sunrise) – regulatory oversight and certification.

 
This has been a great demonstration of Rotary Clubs within a Cluster joining to fund and implement a project for the benefit of the broader community.  It will not be our last.
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