Funding for the playground was provided through GlobalQuest, Coffey’s voluntary staff initiated and managed charity, through a fundraiser held to assist those affected by the devastating bushfires in February 2009.
Rebecca Gitsham, Coffey staff member and voluntary chairperson of the GlobalQuest committee, said: “Our staff locally and around the world, some of whom were directly affected themselves, were horrified to see the events unfold on Black Saturday. I was honoured to be able to attend the presentation to the Strath Creek community of the playground to see firsthand how the money donated by Coffey staff and the company has assisted communities affected by the bushfires.
“Following the bushfires, Coffey staff generously donated over $40,000 in a fundraising drive organised by GlobalQuest. Coffey supported the fundraising effort by providing $2 for every $1 raised by staff.
“Since then, we have been working with the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority (“VBRRA”) to source suitable projects to fund in bushfire affected communities. In March 2010, a request by the Strath Creek Hall and Reserves Committee of Management was submitted to GlobalQuest through the VBRRA for funding of the playground. This was assessed by GlobalQuest and met our criteria of helping communities rather than individuals.”
During the bushfires, the Strath Creek community lost one person and had eight properties destroyed. An extensive community consultation process was undertaken by the Strath Creek Community Recovery Committee to understand the immediate and long-term priorities for rebuilding and recovery. One of the key projects identified was construction of the playground at Strath Creek Pioneer Reserve.
Terry Hubbard, chair of the Strath Creek Hall and Reserves Committee of Management, said: “The need for a new playground became obvious when our Shire conducted an audit of all its playground assets some four or five years ago. During the process the existing structure, which was largely made of treated pine timber which contained CCA (copper, creosote and arsenic), was identified as no longer meeting safety standards and was condemned.
“Although the old playground was not destroyed in the bushfire, we were put in touch with GlobalQuest to upgrade the playground as part of the recovery effort in Strath Creek. I was able to use the design which we had decided on four years ago and this, together with a fresh quote – including the essential shade cover – was the project which GlobalQuest so generously supported.
“Strath Creek is a small village with perhaps only about 150 families; however it is frequently passed through by many travellers who use our reserve as a journey break. Coffey staff have given us a facility which will attract local kiddies and visitors alike for many years to come.
“The reserve on which the playground sits is high profile and the only one available to our whole community, accommodating our hall, public toilets, tennis courts, BBQ, emergency water bore and CFA shed.”
GlobalQuest is a charity initiated and managed voluntarily by Coffey staff for the past 10 years. It contributes funds to worthwhile charitable causes in communities around the world. Coffey supports GlobalQuest by providing $2 for every $1 raised by staff.
Coffey staff donated $41,885 to the fundraising appeal for bushfire victims. The Coffey co-contribution grew this total to $125,655. An additional $15,000 was donated by GlobalQuest to the Red Cross for immediate assistance.
GlobalQuest is currently working with VBBRA to identify suitable projects to support with the remaining funds.
Note: GlobalQuest still has $70,000 available to contribute to bushfire recovery projects. If you are aware of any community projects that require funding, please contact Rebecca Gitsham P: (+61) (8) 8418 1500; M: (+61) 412 429 424 E: rebecca_gitsham@coffey.com
Media contact
Diana Krause, Global Manager, External Communications, Coffey International Limited
P: (+61) (3) 9473 1300; M: (+61) 420 959 942; E: diana_krause@coffey.com
