Optimistic future

RENOVATORS: ABMT Peter Moore and LSET Seyit Kaplan hard at work rebuilding and updating the Alfred Hines Seaside Camp for Disabled Children. Photo: ABPH Joanne Edwards

By WOETSM Carl Larkin

As the sun sets over FIMA Perth and MOTU West, a new era is emerging through the introduction of the Fleet Support Unit (FSU) located in Perth
The bridging of the old ethos with a new direction and focus was recently demonstrated with FSU Perth assisting Rockingham community volunteers with the refurbishment of the Alfred Hines Seaside Camp for Disabled Children.

The seaside camp is situated in an idyllic location just south of HMAS Stirling on the Rockingham foreshore.
The camp was originally built for children with physical disabilities by Alfred Hines, an American local businessman and City of Fremantle Councillor. It has been operating since World War 2.

The camp is a non-funded local community charity organisation that continues operating to this day, providing rest, recreation and respite for kids with disabilities and their immediate families in the community.

A project has been underway for some time, involving many volunteers from the community and organisations comprising of HMAS Stirling and her Lodger Units, Fleet Base West (FBW) home ported ships and submarines, Rotary, Maritime Association members, Rockingham City Council, Shelford Construction, Bunnings Hardware, United Credit Union, Taubmans Paints, BGC Paving and many more.

FSU Perth contributed 12 to 15 personnel every Wednesday for two months culminating in 70 personnel for the final week prior to the camp opening for summer on October 11.
Tasks included fixing plaster walls, painting, building pergolas, paving, general cleaning and removal of industrial rubbish.

Volunteers assisted in the refurbishment of the main dining hall and transformation of the dormitory style accommodation into bright new cabins.

The project has enabled the camp executive committee to ensure the camp keeps abreast with today’s acceptable living standards and provides a safe and comfortable environment for the kids on holiday.
There is still much more work to do in the following off-seasons ahead, and FSU Perth will be there side by side with their eager collaborative army of community volunteers striving to make a difference together in partnership.
FSU Perth looks towards 2007 and beyond, with anticipation and optimism for greater achievements in the future.

.