Rotary helps Delvena women refuge backyard upgrade

In 2018 the Club gave a District grant for Stage1 of the Delvena refuge back yard upgrade which replaced the soft turf in the children’s play area. A Federal grant was also obtained to complete the project which cost $14,000.

In 2019 the Club gave a second grant of $6,000 for part of the Stage 2 upgrade of the backyard. The money has been spent on a Survey, Landscape Plan, a new rubbish and greens bins area, 2 new clothes lines in a different position and a small BBQ. Members who heard Sue Heins speak on our Forum meeting last week saw the Landscape Plan in the background.

To complete the Landscape Plan project it will require considerable expertise, heavy work and capital. Joanne Greene Landscapes did the Plan and has been contracted to do the work.

The Board of Delvena is attempting to raise funds for the project through a Lane Cove Community grant and through the local Community. A donation of the watering system for the flower beds has already been obtained. This will be installed when the work is completed. Lane Cove Rotary Club has obtained a Humanitarian grant for the new sliding doors in the special purpose room in the back yard. It is a difficult time to raise funds; any donations towards the project will be appreciated.

A shortfall of $2,280 was donated by Mosman Rotary Club to the Delvana refuge.

Peter Young, PDG Danny and President Derek visited the Delvena Women and Children’s Refuge and met Heather Rietdyk and fellow board
members. Delvena is one of 2 refuges operated by Manly Warringah Womens Resource Centre and one of only 12 refuges statewide.

Since the success of the Monopoly fund raising we have been supporting MWWRC. Our 2018 contribution of $6000 [including a District matching grant of $3000] made a significant contribution to the refurbishment of the refuge. Heather has sent our club an email about the visit:

It was a pleasure to show all around the refuge and share with them the extent of their support. As you will have seen, the funding has brought colour, life and new energy into each space at Delvena Women and Children’s Refuge. The lounge room refurbishment invites our families to interact in a playful space, filled with toys and activities. This engaging and bright space brings families together in relaxed and comforting setting.
Following the trauma of their experiences, this safe, secure space allows them to interact with their children without fear, whilst also opening up the opportunity to connect with other families and out of isolation. The new table and chairs in the dining room are fresh, clean and new.
With food being the centre of family connection, the space invites all to share a meal in an open space, overlooking the backyard. The
refreshed counselling room provides a more engaging space for recovery and next steps for many. Also in this room the addition of the
technology corner for our clients provides great value to those seeking rental accomodation, completing online forms and applying for
employment or training courses.
The one space we didn’t see was an additional room for counselling and staff to use with more technology to assist us all in our roles and provide counselling and case management for those who need it. It exhibits light and colour, filled with welcoming pastel furniture, plants and reading materials.
Again, we are extremely thankful to all Mosman Rotary members for their contributions. Together, with the packages of care, Mosman Rotary brings opportunity, hope, light and energy to all who enter Delvena Women and Children’s Refuge. On behalf of all the families here, the Board and staff we thank you again.

Volunteers building the Delvana backyard

Volunteers building the Delvana backyard

Play area before laying green turf
Play area after laying the turf
Play area after laying the turf

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