Photo Caption: Mayor Ruth Gstrein (right) with some of the community members involved at the very beginning of the Aberlea Timboon project 13 years ago, including former Aberlea Mortlake CEO Doug Parker (left).
More than 40 people celebrated the realisation of the Aberlea Timboon project last Wednesday, when a further $40,000 was donated by the local Freemasons community.
Aberlea Timboon Advisory Committee chair Martin Van de Wouw said he was thrilled with the turnout, which included many community members who were ‘part of the original dream’ 13 years ago when the project was conceived.
Corangamite Shire Mayor Ruth Gstrein, CEO Andrew Mason, Timboon and District Healthcare Service Board chair Maryanne Puli Vogels and CEO Rebecca Van Wollingen, joined Aberlea Inc. Board Chair Mick Murphy OAM and CEO David Knight along with a number of other key stakeholders at the public event.
Kelvin Grant, Gavin Poustie, Darcy Howard and Robin Bryce represented Freemasons Australia, Timboon Lodge and South West Masonic Homes in making the donation of $40,000 which added to several other contributions towards the project over the years.
(l-r) Kelvin Grant, Darcy Howard and Robin Bryce represented Freemasons Australia, Timboon Lodge and South West Masonic Homes and helped unveil a commemorative plaque.
Mr Van de Wouw said the event showcased the recently completed common room in the centre of Aberlea Timboon, which the Freemasons donations had largely contributed to.
“The weather was kind to us and we had a wonderful afternoon celebrating everything that has been achieved since the inception of the project 13 years ago,” he said.
“Five independent living units stand testament to everyone’s hard work and determination and many of those present took the opportunity to tour Unit 4 which is currently vacant and available to anyone interested in joining the Aberlea Timboon community.”
Mr Murphy thanked the Freemasons, the amazingly generous Timboon community and Corangamite Shire who he said he backed the project from the beginning and worked with Aberlea Inc. in Mortlake to help it materialise.
“I think Aberlea Timboon is a wonderful example of what we can do when we all work together,” he said.
“It’s appropriate that today, we celebrate together…and let’s keep working together and keep moving forward to support this community’s aged care needs into the future.”
Cr Gstrein said she remembered when the project was first discussed and $1.2 million needed to be raised to get the ball rolling.
“I remember thinking that it just seemed so unattainable, but this community put together a very hard-working committee and continued to work and it’s just wonderful to see what has been achieved,” she said.
Ms Puli Vogels said she moved to the area five-and-a-half years ago when she retired to join her husband on their dairy farm. It was the first time in her life she truly felt like she was part of a wider local community, she said.
“I love living here and being immersed and accepted by this wonderful community. There is so much generosity here,” she told the gathering.
“It continues to amaze me how many people pitch in. That sense of community is totally new to me and I urge people not to take it for granted. Congratulations to all involved.”
Anyone interested is residing at Aberlea is invited to contact Aberlea CEO David Knight on 5599 2901, Mr Van de Wouw or fellow committee members Ray Smith, Trevor Bullen, Steve Trotter, Peter Pope, Owen Wallace, Gerard Vogels, Terry O’Connor, Enid O’Connor, Cath Brown or Darcy Howard.
(left) Aberlea Inc. CEO David Knight, Aberlea Timboon Advisory Committee chair Martin Van de Wouw and Aberlea Inc. Board Chair Mick Murphy OAM.
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