Newsletter 53 November 28, 2015
Hello Farina Supporters
Following is a missive from Tom Harding on behalf of the Farina Restoration Group Committee.
Whilst this could be thought of as the OFF SEASON for Farina, considerable activity has been happening.
The BIG event achieved last week was the completion of the laying of the concrete floor for the Farina Operations Centre. All 30 cubic metres of it. This brings the building to Stage 1 enabling the fit out to happen during the 2016 programme.
This has also been an active time with 4WD Clubs. Three clubs are sharing an active interest in the Farina Restoration Group right now.
Johnno and Judy Johnson’s Wimmera 4WD Club sponsored and built a “Rolls Royce” sheet metal working island bench for our mechanical workshop last year. In October they invited us to share their club stand at the Grampians West Bush Fest to promote Farina. Our “local” residents, Kaniva Bob and Morrie Ashfield, and the Wimmera 4WD Club represented us admirably and also added $459 to our funds. Well done all.
I recently addressed 145 members of the Pajero Club of Victoria. They are looking to integrate with us at some point during the 2016 programme. They also presented us with a cheque for $500 and more recently with a further donation of $300. We are considering this to be full sponsorship of a 10×6 tandem trailer which is shortly to be added to our equipment list. Suitable notation will be permanently attached to the trailer.
I also spoke to the Idlers 4WD Club in Melbourne, another impressive group of “outbackers” who are also planning participation in our work programme in the future.
Our volunteers not only contribute “on the ground” at Farina. Significant sponsorships of equipment from volunteers are :
Kaniva Bob and Morrie Ashfield have sponsored a solar power system to provide a 12 volt backup power system to our new Operational Centre.
Steve and Patricia Harding have provided carpet tiles for the Admin, Meeting and First aid rooms of the same building.
Ernie and Kath Sharman donated $500 for the provision of a pie warmer for the Bakery/Café.
The generosity, skills, endeavours and tenacity of our volunteers knows no bounds. This is what has enabled the restoration and stabilisation of Farina to be so successful, of the highest quality and on a minimal budget.
We have recorded in excess of 30,000 volunteer hours, over seven annual programmes. If we consider a “notional” costing of volunteer labour as $30 per hour then we volunteers have contributed $900,000!
Congratulations to all!!!
And of course MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR from The Farina Restoration Group Committee.
Tom Harding (on behalf of the Farina Restoration Group Committee)