Toowoomba's own backyard blitz
19 Feb 2010 By Chaplain Steve Gunther
A highly enthusiastic team of 15 people from HMAS Toowoomba (Commander Ivan Ingham) completed their own version of a “Backyard Blitz” to help out Chesterfield House, a local W.A. Youth Crisis Accommodation Centre.
Chesterfield House is an Anglicare, WA initiative and provides crisis accommodation for homeless and endangered youths aged between 15–20 years. The program provides 24 hour youth worker support as well as independent living programs, goal setting through case management, creative youth recreational activities, referral to specialist services, advocacy and drug education support services.
"We understand the value and importance of connecting with our local community. After all, it’s not just the ship that is based here at Garden Island that provides the connection, but the fact that most of HMAS Toowoomba's crew and families live and work in the immediate Rockingham area", Commander Ivan Ingham said.
Commander Ingham went on to explain; "Last year, during our deployment to the Middle East, we started to look for something we could be actively involved with that would make a meaningful contribution to the local Rockingham community.”
The Ship's Chaplain, Steve Gunther heard about the Rockingham Kwinana Development Office (RKDO) initiative entitled 'Solving Homelessness - A Task for the Whole Community'.
“Given the large proportion of young people serving in HMAS Toowoomba, we thought this was exactly the sort of thing we could get involved with. Toowoomba being engaged with such a worthy cause as Chesterfield House provides an enormously rewarding opportunity to give something back to the local community. Our own version of a “Backyard Blitz” was a great way to get involved and make a difference” Commander Ingham said.
The team from Toowoomba worked side by side with youth residents and the staff of Chesterfield House and members of the local Rotary. Also lending a hand on the day was the Mayor of Rockingham, Mr Barry Sammels and State Government Member of Parliament for South Metropolitan (Perth) Mr Phil Edman, MLC.
A vast array of plants as well as mulch was donated by the City of Rockingham.
The day was considered a great success. Manager of Chesterfield House, Valda Culverhouse said that she was absolutely delighted by the transformation.
“The results the guys and girls from Toowoomba achieved were truly amazing. Before they started this place was a mess, quite desolate. My staff and I and our young people are overwhelmed, thank you so very much!” she said.
As Toowoomba is keen to build its new relationship and association with Chesterfield House the sailors will be hosting the youth residents for tours and briefs onboard whilst the ship is alongside at Fleet Base West.
