Projects

On-Site Short Term Crisis Accommodation Pods
Estimated investment required: $40,000 + volunteer labor
Scope of activity needed:
Fit out, services connection and build an all abilities access ramp and decking for each room
Project requirements:
Crisis accommodation is used to support Veterans and/or their immediate family facing personal hardship, be it financial, relationship breakdown or homelessness. It provides a supported, quiet and safe place away from distractions of the cities that allows the time to connect with appropriate support measures. The GVR now has five bare crisis accommodation rooms on site using a combination of four transportable and modular buildings (Pods). To make each pod ready for use, we now require the money to fit each of them out with basic furniture and fittings, connection to services, to build on all-abilities access ramps and small decks, and the installation of an ensuite in one pod for family use.
Progress so far:
We already have one crisis accommodation bedroom within the main building which is fully fitted out and has been used to support veterans in need. In addition, we have set up an onsite family cabin tent with beds and bedding which has also supported veterans’ crisis needs.

Schoolhouse External Upgrade
Estimated investment required: $42,000 + volunteer labour
Scope of activity needed:
The list of external projects includes:
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Re-roof the schoolhouse building and install in roof insulation ($16,000)
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Replace the external weatherboard on the 1930’s main building/classrooms and fit a new front verandah with all abilities access ramp ($15,000 + volunteer labour)
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Replace the base boards around the buildings ($500 + volunteer labour)
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Reclad the 1960’s classroom and install roof and wall insulation ($5,500 + volunteer labour)
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Selected window upgrade/repairs ($1,700)
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External paint all buildings ($2,600 + lots of volunteer labour with paint brushes and a sense of humour).
Project requirements:
The old 1930’s building while usable, is showing its age and desperately needs some tender love and care. We have completed many works inside the building to ensure we can support veterans and their families in times of need, now we must make sure the old building will stand the test of yet more time. There are a number of projects within the total external upgrade which can be achieved progressively with a combination of money and volunteer labor and/or donated materials.
Progress so far:
We'd really love to start this work but need your support. Please consider volunteering or making a donation.

Progressively Complete the Internal Building Fit Out
Estimated investment required: $15,000 + volunteer labour
Scope of activity needed:
The list of projects includes:
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Re-skin and insulate the internal walls and painting of course
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Fit ceiling fans and a split system air-conditioning
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Fit new floor and window coverings
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Install shelving
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Fit an AV projection screen and projector (equipment has been donated )
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Provide furniture (recently we have been donated the furniture)
Project requirements:
We need to renovate the 1960’s classroom and fit it out as a new activity/multi-purpose room. This room would then support the conduct of onsite courses for Veterans, group discussions, meetings, social gatherings and, if required, could provide some limited overflow accommodation capacity if required.
Progress so far:
This room is needed to support the conduct of onsite courses for Veterans. Please help us achieve this goal as we plan our first multi-day workshop scheduled for early 2022.

Progressively Complete the Outbuildings and Grounds Work
Estimated investment required: $39,000 + volunteer labour
Scope of activity needed:
The list of projects includes:
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Upgrade the site and building to three phase power ($2,500 + some technical volunteer labour)
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8 x services poles (power & water) across the site for caravans/camper trailers/tent sites ($8,000);
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Automated reticulated irrigation systems for the all the grounds and gardens ($3,500);
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Security lighting upgrade ($1,500);
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Power/lighting to our maintenance sheds ($500);
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Install fence with gate around maintenance buildings ($2,500 + volunteer labour)
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Complete the Veterans Commemorative Garden and water feature fountains ($5,000);
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Yard Arm flagpole ($3,600);
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Upgrade internal access road & ground water drainage ($5,000);
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Automatic gates and security entry system ($2,500);
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Fit roller doors, purchase and fit wood heater to winterise the breezeway ($5,200 + volunteer labour)
Project requirements:
The grounds of the Retreat provide an important component of wellbeing as well as general aesthetics plus they enhance site security and safety. There are a number of projects within the total external upgrade which can be achieved progressively with a combination of money and volunteer labor and/or donated materials.
Progress so far:
Much has already been achieved despite the impact of Covid throughout 2020-2021 and you can read about some of the completed work under our Completed Work list.

Complete the Upgrade of Existing Laundry and Ablutions
Estimated investment required: $12,000 + volunteer labour
Scope of activity needed:
This part of the program of work involves the basic reconfiguration of plumbing, framing and electricals has been completed and we are ready for fitout and commissioning.
Project requirements:
Upgrading of the shared ablution, shower and laundry capabilities on the site leveraging the old schoolhouse toilet block is underway.
Progress so far:
We are progressively framing the shared ablution, shower and laundry capabilities on the site leveraging the old schoolhouse toilet block.

Dedicated Ambulant/All abilities Ablution Pod
Estimated investment required: $20,000
Scope of activity needed:
It is essential that we have a dedicated purpose built Ambulant / All abilities Ablution pod which provides shower and toilet facilities. The most efficient and timely way to deliver this specialist facility is a prefab, ready to plumb purpose built pod.
Project requirements:
This project involves the purchase of an ambulant pod , delivery and connection to onsite services.