Two years ago the Chinderah Scout hall was in desperate need of refurbishment, with white ants and asbestos threatening the historic buildin. However, with a little help from their friends, on Saturday the group officially re-opened their building.
It’s usually the Scouts helping out in the local community but, with a building in desperate need of repair, it was the Chinderah Scouts who needed the hand – and they got it – many hands in fact.
Thanks to the Rotary Club of South Tweed, $99,500 in State Government Community Grants through State member for Tweed Geoff Provest and a further $35,000 in donations of time and products by local companies and trades people, the Scouts and Chinderah community now have a building and facilities to be proud of.
Scout leader David Hutchison said it was a major undertaking but it all had a simple starting point.
“All this started with a phone call from someone from Rotary asking if they could store their trailer in our shed, but we didn’t really have room,” he said.
“Following that conversation, we had difficulties filling our group committee, so I asked Rotary if there was anyone who could be our treasurer. Don Neill accepted and, over the next couple of years, Don’s wife Carol came on board too.
“We talked about the declining condition of the hall and Don and Richard Marriott, the wordsmith, wrote, based on our requirements, a grant for a renovation of the covered area which was eventually successful.”
So what was done?
“The removal of asbestos from our hall, Colorbond on the outside, the ceilings inside, inside lighting, the two front rooms were completely rebuilt, the leaders’ rooms, flooring, carpet, all electrical work including the meters, new hot water, new ramps, covered area, the cement slab, the grass, the gutters on the front and back roof and the inside bathroom, which has almost been completed, and our shed.
“We’ve had so much help from the community, the South Tweed Heads Rotary Club, Don and everyone who has contributed with discounted work, above and beyond, free works, monetary and equipment donations, in-kind donations. I’m overwhelmed at the support we’ve received. The work on this Scout Hall will keep it in good order for many years to come.
“Thank you from all of us Scout Leaders, cubs, scouts and joeys who are currently members, as well as those future members who will perpetually keep our Scout Group going.”
Don Neill said it was a “long winded process” but one that was worth the effort.
So who helped out?
1. Rotary Club of Tweed heads South donated $4000
2. Geoff Provest and his office
3. Planit Consulting Kingscliff Adam Smith Director donated time and prepared the Development and Construction Approvals for Tweed Council at no cost 4. Westera Partners Kings-cliff – Josh Neale donated time and prepared all engineering drawings for Tweed Council at no cost
5. Tweed Shire Council tree removal
6. Hymix Concrete Chinderah donated and assisted with the supply of concrete for the slab
7. Wayne Whelan Concreting donated and assisted with time in the laying of the slab
8. Terry Everest Construction has done most of the renovation work on the hall itself and undertaken many jobs free of charge
9 Hutchison Builders – Paul Hart and Peter Jedrisko completely constructed a disabled toilet and shower in the hall – a major donation, probably $10,000
10. Tweed heads Electrical – Graham Stennard
11. NW&KA Barber Cabinets
12. Adrian Tough Plumbing These guys have again given of time and resources to assist the project.
13. The Shed Company Tweed Heads – Tim Chalmers responsible for the outdoor roof structure
14. Blue Scope Lysaght Chinderah donated the patio roof over the back stairs
15. Boyds Bay Garden World – John Nosworthy donated the turf and bobcat hire
16. Burleigh Heads Carpet Call
17. The Good Guys
18. Anni Brownjohn, Glen Nott and Margaret Hayes have all made substantial donations towards equipment required by the Scouts
19. Tweed Coast Church, a group of their people held a weekend working bee and repaired and painted the toilet block and storage shed, all free of cost.
