We had a fantastic turn out at the Official Opening on a wet day with more than 150 people showing up to give their support.
Gabrielle Powell Project Development Officer gave special thanks to our dignitaries Linda Burney MP State Minister for Community Services, Mayor of Eurobodalla Shire Council Fergus Thompson, Councillor for Bega Valley Shire Liz Selkold and other important guests for attending the opening of the family centre building on April 22nd 2009.
Shirley Foster Community Elder and the Yuin Tribal Dancers did a fantastic job of welcoming us to country, the Yuin Nation.
Linda Bunclark Partnerships and Planning Manager for NSW DoCs talked about overseeing the project and the journey that the project has taken since late 2006.
Gabrielle Powell acknowledged that it had been a long journey and the importance of thanking our supporters. Linda Burney assisted by handing out the certificates.
Shirley Foster life time member of the preschool for giving her time each week to make this centre for the children, parents and families of Wallaga Lake and teaching Gabrielle so much along the way including how to shut up and listen!
The Chair Person and all the committee members Deanna Campbell who made Gabrielle feel so welcome at the start and introduced her to all the Wallaga Lake family, Tracey Foster for taking up the position of Chair when nobody else was willing to do it and Irene Leon who hasn’t been well but still gave her time and has made some great decisions.
Amanda Tighe Administration Officer for taking on the huge job of sorting out the administration/bookkeeping. Amanda has demonstrated her willingness to learn, take on responsibility and she shows great leadership. She has done a fantastic job for the past 3 years – well done Amanda!
Lea Sutherland Preschool Director for arriving just when the preschool needed you! Lea is so positive and has lots of energy and enthusiasm. Gabrielle thanked her for all the support which helped me to keep going with the family centre when I wanted to give up!
Linda Bunclark NSW DoCs who has worked behind the scenes to move this project forward. She has shown great support, patience and understanding and without her help this centre wouldn’t be here.
Phil Rose Architect has been associated with the community for 20 years. With this project he showed guidance, support and patience and didn’t give up on the project or Gabrielle!
John White and Danny Williams the Family Centre Builders had to patient with a long process and thankfully they were still willing to build the centre when we finally got the go ahead! When they commenced building it was so quick and they listened and supported all our needs and created a beautiful building.
Albert Solomon, Ken Bell, Hayden Briggs, Mervyn Naylor, Ivan Thomas CDEP workers for doing a great job creating the landscaping. It was good to have the men involved and see them at the centre each day working hard.
Catherine Chen ATSIATSAG who has mentored Amanda in bookeeping and assisted with the lodgement of the BAS and preparation of information for the auditor and donated resources to the preschool.
Lisa Perez DEEWR who has worked behind the scenes to encourage the committtee and staff for the past 5 years to keep working on our goals and providing a range of funding to the preschool.
Tashe Long Schools Community Centres Project has showed so much support for this project. She has organised transition to school, healthy foods for preschool, resources, donated benches for building and she is very handy on a drill! She encouraged Gabrielle when she wanted to give up so thanks!
Chris Howe and Nerida Sholz Illawarra Children’s Services have supported the preschool for 5 years. They have funded projects such as transport, speciality workers, staff training and Nerida has visited on a regular basis.
Neil Rutherford and Natalie Willoughby Bermagui Primary School who have supported the preschool through transition to school program, resources for literacy and numeracy. The school has allowed staff member Natalie Willoughby computer wiz to assist with marketing, computer support and training – Natalie when you get a chance we really need some business cards!!.
IMB Community Foundation supported the preschool when it was struggling to keep going. IMB funded the Wallaga Lake Management Skills project to build skills to improve financial management systems within Little Yuin Management Committee.
Mumbulla Foundation the Community Foundation of the Bega Valley Shire has showed support for 4 years by funding activities for the children and their families to engage in Art and Craft, holiday activities and establish the preschool vegetable garden.
GET UP Narooma really wanted to make a difference and do something positive after the SORRY DAY so they have been working behind the scenes providing many hours of voluntary labour to the preschool, staff and management committee.
Seaside Fair Bermagui who have limited funds but have provided preschool resources and learning equipment for specific projects.
Elm Grove Trust kindly donated furniture for the new centre when we thought we wouldn’t have enough money to buy our own furniture.
And for all those other people who haven’t been mentioned but have supported this project a huge round of applause and thank you to all our supporters!!!!
Linda Burney spoke on her happiness at being on the community and the importance of this family centre to the Wallaga Lake children and families. She officially opened the building by presenting a plaque to Shirley Foster and cutting the ribbon.
The guests enjoyed morning tea together and were able to have a chance to chat and catch up.
The Little Yuin Family Centre is now OPEN and taking bookings so give Gabrielle Powell a call on Tuesdays on (02) 4473-7396 if you would like to use it!