Life’s dream realised

By Kath Gannaway
TOOLANGI poet Alec Sewell spent much of his life planning and working to create a place where disadvantaged children could enjoy their childhood.
On Saturday, with the opening of Teamsters’ Hill at Toolangi, Anglicare Victoria’s new respite facility, his dream will be realised.
Mr Sewell was 94 when he died in 2003, having lived most of his life on the property his parents bought in 1916. A happy childhood included holidays at Toolangi.
Anglicare Victoria was one of three beneficiaries of his $7million estate, receiving the property Teamsters’ Hill, and $2.5million to build the accommodation and other facilities needed to provide for children and their families.
The bequest was a financial and morale boost for Anglicare, one of the state’s largest providers of care and support to children, young people and families in crisis.
John Blewonski, Anglicare deputy chief executive officer corporate services, said the organisation has 500 children in foster care and more than 200 young people in residential units around the state.
“This sort of work is tough. It’s not glamorous.
“As well as providing a place for the kids, this is saying that someone recognises the work we do and appreciates it.
“It also says to us that someone has an interest in the kids, as we do. Alec wanted to leave a legacy so children could enjoy the things he had enjoyed as a child.”
Healesville gardener Roy Buzza worked with Mr Sewell for 24 years and continues his work with Anglicare.
He says his old boss, and friend, would be very pleased with what Anglicare and architect John Castles have created.
“It very much fulfills his vision for the future,” he said.
“The garden and the children’s project as he mapped it out, was his whole life. It was his long-term plan to provide a home for foster kids.”
Over the years the gardens were created around the little timber cottage, an in-ground pool put in and a sports oval built.
The gardens have trails, fountains and lots of great places for cubbies, or just for sitting and enjoying the views and tranquillity.
A new communal building with a large meeting space, library and changing rooms has replaced the original cottage but Mr Blewonski said a lot of thought had been given to preserving the “footprint” of what was there.
Two modern, spacious, low-maintenance accommodation “cottages” blend seamlessly into the garden at either end of the heated pool and there are plans for two more in the future.
Teamsters’ Hill at Toolangi will begin its new life with a Children’s Day on Saturday 17 November from 11am to 3pm.
The official opening, including a plaque unveiling and dedication, will take place at 1.30pm.
Mr Blewonski said the opening would provide an opportunity for Mr Sewell’s own Toolangi community to see how his dream had been realised.