Terms 3 and 4 intakes of PCYC Whitsunday’s Get Set For Work Program have unveiled a refurbished dresser which has been brought back to life and is available for sale at the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre’s Furniture Shop.
Get Set For Work program coordinator Scott Lynch said he was looking for a project to complete with participates during the term, when the idea of renovating and refurbishing a piece of furniture came to mind.
“The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre generously donated us the dresser, which had been donated to them, and all together, we sanded, painted and refinished it,” Scott explained.
Rebecca Woods, the Executive Officer of Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre welcomed the project, saying “All of us community organisations collaborate often, so this wasn’t the first time, nor will it be the last time that we all work together.”
“This is something that makes our town different, this collaboration, and it happens a lot more than people realise. Being a small town, we all rely on each other and network with each other,” Rebecca said.
The program participants worked with guidance from the Men’s Shed in Cannonvale, under the watchful eye of President Don McDonald.
“Scott rang us and told us he had some boys who wanted to get some hands-on experience and they were great,” Don explained.
“There’s was quite a bit of work to be done on the dresser, and we showed them how to do it, and then left it to them. The boys didn’t work quick, but it’s come out great.”
And Bunnings Airlie Beach generously donated the necessary products and treatments.
“Bunnings have a strong commitment to giving back to communities,” explained Kaci, the Bunnings Airlie Beach Activities Organiser.
“We’ve worked with PCYC and the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre before and we are always excited to get on board.”
The dresser was officially handed back over to the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre to be placed for sale in the Furniture Centre, ready for a new home.
“We wanted to do something to give back to the community,” Scott explained.
“It gave our participants something constructive to do, something great to complete and great skills to achieve. And now a number of this term’s participants have gone into trades, stemming from the skills they learned over this project.”
1. The dresser before the Get Set For Work team refurbishment. Photo supplied
2. The completed dresser handed over to the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre. Photo: Bronte Hodge
