Since 2011, the Rotary Club of North Balwyn (‘RCNB’) has worked with
community partners and a number of Care organisations in Boroondarato
provide garden clean-ups for elderly and/or disabled residents on
thier Property within the municipality.
- The aims of this Project are to:
- provide, (usually restore) a liveable environment for Residents,
- provide suitable venues for Students to experience “grass-roots” Community Service as part of their overall education,
- support local Care organisations in improving the lifestyle of Residents, and
- enhance Rotary’s voluntary support image in our community.
'Partners’ include secondary schools (since inception Camberwell Grammar, Xavier, MLC, Trinity Grammar, Carey, Genazzano and Balwyn High) and Service Providers (Burke & Beyond). In many cases, students are often meeting Community Service requirements of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards or International Baccalaureate program. RCNB holds Public Liability Insurance for all participants in Gardening visits. Duty of Care by RCNB in supervision is critical to this.
‘Care’ organisations include Boroondara Council, Aged Care, Camcare, JobCo, churches, Meals-on-wheels and others. Such organisations provide professional services and care to Residents and where they see the need for a voluntary Gardening makeover of sorts, contact RCNB with a Gardening Application from the Resident/Care to cover the Property.
Some years ago, RCNB funded Jack Nankervis House with part of the ongoing arrangement to house our RCNB Gardening gear in a shed at the rear. Much of this gear has been generously donated by BUNNINGS, ANSELL and by means of Bendigo Bank and City of Boroondara funding over the years.
‘Property’ is simply the address on the Application form. Note – historically, the presence of a RCNB Gardening crew has signalled to neighbours that something is happening to the residence – remember, information about the Resident and their Property is Confidential between RCNB and the Care organisation at all times. Placement of the Rotary sign “Rotary at Work” in the nature strip will convey the only message needed.
Before
After
'RCNB Coordinator, Assessor, Supervisor, and Assistant' – all Volunteer members of the Rotary Club of North Balwyn uphold the appropriate Rotary standards. Every RCNB volunteer is to have current “Working with Children” status and identification.
- RCNB Coordinator oversees the Gardening Program.
- RCNB Assessor receives referrals, organises property assessments
- RCNB Supervisors – supervise!!
- RCNB Assistants – assist at the property visit