Respite opens for care

By Melissa Donchi
MORE than 400 disadvantaged children and their carers flocked to Toolangi on the weekend for the official opening of Anglicare Victoria’s Teamsters’ Hill project.
Teamsters’ Hill is Anglicare’s new respite facility which was made possible by the late Toolangi poet Alex Sewell, who spent much of his life planning and working to create a place where disadvantaged children could enjoy their childhood.
Mr Sewell made Anglicare Victoria one of the three beneficiaries of his $7 million estate and donated $2.5 million to build the accomodation and other facilities needed to provide for children and their families.
The facility is the first of its kind in Victoria and will be used by Anglicare groups across the state.
The site was officially opened on Saturday by the Archbishop of Melbourne Dr Phillip Freier and the mayor of the Shire of Murrindindi Bob Flowers.
Anglicare deputy chief executive officer John Blewonski said the facility was well received by the tiny visitors who enjoyed a jumping castle, animal rides and a barbecue lunch prepared by the local CFA. “It went really well apart from the heat,” he said.
“We had lots of positive comments from all the visitors.”
Mr Blewonski said Teamsters’ Hill would be available to Anglicare clients across the state.
“It’s an accomodation centre that aims to provide a holiday experience for children,” he said.
“It will also be used for us to take young people up to Toolangi for group work.”
The property includes an oval, a pool and changing room, gardens and fountains as well as a communal building and a library.