The construction and redevelopment work at our Circuit Breaker residential facility near Benalla is nearly complete. While the decking, kitchen and laundry are finalised, works continue on constructing a new carpark, sewerage treatment system, and a large dam. Some big new tanks and a filtration system will also allow us to supply the building with our own fresh water, from harvested rainfall and our underground bore. Plans are also in place to install solar panels in the future in order to further reduce our environmental impact.
The fit out of the new buildings is also well advanced, with lots of desks, couches, chairs, linen and kitchen equipment arriving on site. The Geok Wong Charitable Fund generously funded all the new beds. Residents have been actively involved in assembling lots of the furniture, and one of our ex-residents and current staff members has made all of the tables.
The program will be expanded from 15 to 35 beds, and we are now recruiting some new staff to cater for the additional resident numbers. Until now, residents have been largely responsible for their meal planning and preparation, but the employment of a Chef/Trainer will better support them in this task, whilst also helping residents to develop new cooking skills.
Our current and new staff are undergoing intensive training, in readiness for the expanded program in the new facility. We are hoping to begin operations by the end of this year, but this is dependent on when we can get the power supply upgraded.
