MASARG Mid-year Progress Report June 2012

Robyn Spicer: MASARG President, 2012

It has been an exciting six months with a series of very successful fundraising events. With our aim to start construction before the end of 2012, the next year promises to be even busier.

Our continuing thanks to our wonderful supporters: the Castlemaine Lions Club; Maldon and District Community Bank; Windarring; the Department of Human Services; the Mc Donald family; Mr Felix Cappy (deceased) for his generous bequest; Castlemaine Health and Bendigo Health and all MASARG members for their valuable contributions.

We have some dynamic new supporters; welcome to the Castlemainiacs and their partners, the ‘Ducks’. The Castlemainiacs had a hugely successful (and I would think exhausting) ride from Murray to Moyne as well as the family fun ride at Bress Vineyard. The ‘Ducks’ organized the 80’s dinner dance at the Town Hall splendidly, people are still talking about it - what a great event!

Thanks to local wine growers: Bress – Wine Cider & Produce; Sutton Grange Winery and Pengally Lane vineyards for their tasty contributions to the vine fundraiser.

We are also grateful to the Rotary Club of Castlemaine for their support; Tonks Hardware, Castlemaine for their donation of a spa bath for people with disabilities.

The Hot Rod Club of Castlemaine and the Castlemaine Historical Car club became our latest supporters starting with their 50^th anniversary celebration display day on June 30th. It is wonderful to see the commitment of the community to improve the lives of families in our area.

We have had some wonderful professional support from Solicitor, Ron Waters, of Castlemaine who has kindly agreed to work with MASARG on legal matters. Thank you so much Ron. Castlemaine surveyor Kevin Thiele has been most helpful in amending the building envelope on our plans for the house site. Many thanks Kevin. Castlemaine accountant, Anthony Cappy will keep our books in order with our capable treasurer Jan Jenkin.

One of the advantages of living in a rural community like Castlemaine is the network of people who know each other. We always seem to find the right person for the job!

Castlemaine Car Clubs’ Generosity towards the Respite House Appeal

The Mount Alexander Shire Respite and Accommodation Group (MASARG Inc) has welcomed the generous support of the Castlemaine Historical Car Club and the Castlemaine Hot Rod Club at the Western Oval on Saturday June 30.^th The Hot Rod Club was celebrating its 50^th anniversary.

Despite the Wintery weather, many visitors were attracted by the unique and impressive display of colourful hot rods and restored vehicles circling the Reserve.

MASARG, the beneficiary of all the proceeds, will direct the funds to its special “Furnishings and Fittings” Account.

MASARG Treasurer, Jan Jenkin said, “We are delighted to add the funds raised to our special account. Furnishing and fitting out a purpose built respite facility is far more costly compared to that of an ordinary house. We need to carefully plan for safety, liveability, practicality, durability and the smart use of design and technology.”

Mrs Jenkin added that rocker switches, activated lighting and non-slip surfaces are just a few of the many, many examples that MASARG is considering for their “Wish List.”

Robyn Spicer, MASARG Chairperson, said, “We are so appreciative of the efforts of the Car Club organisers. As well as the funds raised, a beautiful print has been donated which will be raffled later in the year and importantly we have added to our network of supporters.”

Mrs Spicer noted that MASARG is an independent, small group of mostly older carers. “Yet again, we are delighted with the groundswell of local support from the community. It adds to our energy and determination to see this Respite House started before the end of this year!” she said.

[30 June 2012]

Grateful Thanks for Respite House Fundraising Effort

The Mount Alexander Shire Accommodation and Respite Group (MASARG Inc.) has welcomed a much needed addition of more than $17,000 in their bank account recently.

A group of energetic supporters, the “Castlemainiacs” and the “Ducks” have combined to organise two highly successful fundraising events: The Murray to Moyne Cycling event and the 80’s Dinner Dance at the Castlemaine Town Hall.

MASARG Treasurer, Jan Jenkin said, “The proceeds will be set aside for providing internal fittings and furnishings once the Respite Community house is built.”

Mrs Jenkin added that the concept of “Making the House a Home” was very much appreciated by the two fundraising groups.

Robyn Spicer, MASARG Chairperson said that once again, the generosity and understanding of the local community towards the need for a Respite Community House had overwhelmed the hard working group of MASARG members.

MASARG Inc is planning to begin constructing the Respite Community House on donated land towards the end of this year. In a disappointing set back for the region’s disabled and their carers, federal funding announced last month did not include the bid by the MASARG.

“We are a small, voluntary group of ageing carers and to have this amazing, active group of supporters taking over all the hard work for us was so very special. Fundraising remains a very high priority for us. We are still determined to start construction this year although our plans may need to be modified,” said Ms Spicer.

[05 May 2012]

SET BACK FOR REGION’S DISABLED

Local Respite Community Project Misses out on Federal Funding

In a disappointing set back for the region’s disabled and their carers, federal funding recently announced has not included the bid by the Mount Alexander Shire Respite and Accommodation Group (MASARG) to meet a funding shortfall required to build the Castlemaine Respite Community House for people with disabilities.

MASARG Chairperson, Robyn Spicer, said the group had been hopeful that the more than $600,000 raised so far would be matched by the Commonwealth’s Supported Accommodation and Innovation Fund.

“The government media release announced nine project allocations based in Victoria; MASARG was not one of them and none of the other projects cover this region,” she said.

“It is a set back for the Group, and a disappointment for the carers of disabled children in the region,” she said.

MASARG has been working in close partnership with the Castlemaine Lions Club, Bendigo Bank, Maldon Community Bank, the Victorian Government and Windarring to raise funding to purchase land and construct a purpose-built facility.

“We are very grateful for the efforts of our local community and supporting partners,” said Ms Spicer.

“Thanks to the generosity of the McDonald family we now have a wonderful 2.7ha serviced block of land for our Respite Community House. The Castlemaine Lions have contributed $240,000. Maldon Community Bank has sponsored MASARG for $50,000 and the Victorian State Government has provided $300,000. As well, we have been advised that we are to receive a $20,000 legacy from Felix Cappy’s Estate. Our concept plans are drawn, we were energized and ready to build,” she said.

Ms Spicer said that although very disappointed, members will regroup, modify plans and follow a different path to achieve the much-needed Castlemaine Respite Community House.

Ms Spicer added that the Community aspect of the Respite House was a very intentional focus.

“We want the people we care for to belong to the local community. Our plans include making the Respite Community House a place where the Community is welcome. Meeting spaces, gardens, orchards, petanque and other important mutual activities both at the Respite House and within the local community are planned,” she said.

[3 April 2012]

President’s Report Summary - December 2011

Thank you to everyone for a very successful year, our project is going from strength to strength. We thank everyone for their hard work, their generosity of time and spirit. The project has now gathered speed and everyday the Respite/Community House here in Castlemaine is getting closer. We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who are working to improve the lives of families in our area.  There are so many people to thank and acknowledge.

• To the Castlemaine Lions club their generous donation, which is a culmination of years of hard work by club members, really added power and much needed momentum to the project. The Lions are continuing to work with other partners in an advisory capacity on the Project Advisory Group (PAG) for which we are most grateful.
• To Windarring staff and volunteers, who have been supporting parents in their quest for respite services from the beginning and providing services where possible. Windarring is a not for profit organization and we are indebted to those who selflessly gave their free time to our project this year. As carers we are delighted that Windarring has agreed to be the Service manager for the Respite House, we know it will be managed with skill and care.
• To the Bendigo Bank and the Maldon and District Community bank who are sponsoring MASARG and recognise the importance of a respite facility for our community. Their representatives are also working on the PAG, many thanks for your continued interest, enthusiasm and support. The posters are terrific thank you.
• This year we have been working closely with the Department of Human Services (DHS) whose valuable advice has helped us plan ahead and move forward. The injection of State Government funds towards our community has been a great boost to the project and we look forward to their continued advice at regular PAG meetings.
• Recently a local farming family of Castlemaine have offered us, on very favorable terms, approx 2.7 hectares of beautiful land at McKenzies Hill Castlemaine, to build the Respite/ Community house. We have been quite overwhelmed by their generosity, not just to MASARG, but to our community in the future. We look forward to their continued involvement in this great project.
• The representatives of Castlemaine Health and Bendigo Health who continue to give their time to help us with submission writing which is an area where we need professional expertise. Their work on the PAG has also been most useful.
• Fundraising Committee and MASARG members - The group's fundraising committee has done a great job throughout the year and the wider MASARG member support has been unflagging during 2011.

Thanks to everyone for your involvement and support in this eventful year. Hopefully we will be successful in our submission to Federal Government and we can look forward to start building in 2012. 

FUNDRAISING EVENT: Tour de Vines

Start peddling and get behind the MASARG Respite Facility Fundraiser, Tour de Vines, on Sunday, 30 October starting at the Bress Winery, Harcourt.

With all funds raised going towards the creation of the MASARG respite facility for people with disabilities, register your entry or team today, or simply come along to support the occasion and make it a family day out. With a sausage sizzle, coffee, wine tasting and entertainment it promises to be an event not to be missed!

What: 3hr Pony Express Bike Ride, 4km Easy Course

When: Sunday, 30 October 2011

Time:   Registration 10am, Event 11am – 2pm

Where: Bress Winery, 3894, Old Calder Hwy, North Harcourt  

Cost:    $10/person (Individuals and Teams)

Download the Tour de Vines flyer

Download the Registration form 

Contact: Forward your signed entry form by post to Tour de Vines, PO Box 930, Castlemaine, Victoria, 3450. Or Fax to (03) 5472 3310. You can also drop your entry form into The Bike Vault, 220 Barker Street, Castlemaine.

[September 2011]

MASARG WELCOMES MCB SPONSORSHIP FUNDING

In an exciting step forward the Maldon Community Bank has announced $50,000 in sponsorship funding for the Mount Alexander Shire Respite and Accommodation Group (MASARG).

This is the largest sponsorship contribution the Maldon Community Bank has made to date and will provide an important boost to the fundraising efforts of the Group.

MASARG is working to address an urgent and critical need in the Mount Alexander Shire region, by raising funds to create a purpose-built Respite/Community House for people with disabilities.

A keen supporter of community groups in the region, the Maldon Community Bank uses the services of the Bendigo Bank but is run by a volunteer Board that employs staff and distributes profits in the local community.

Chair of MASARG, Robyn Spicer, said the sponsorship commitment is a great boost for carers and people with disabilities in the region.

"This is a welcome step forward in our vision for a Respite/Community House for the Shire," she said.

[29 May 2011]

STATE BUDGET FUNDING FOR PROJECT

The Mount Alexander Shire Respite and Accommodation Group (MASARG) welcomes State Government funding earmarked for the Castlemaine respite/accommodation project in the recent Budget.

The 2011-12 State Budget has allocated $300,000 for the Bendigo West region - funding which local MP Damian Drum announced in April would go towards the MASARG project.

Chairperson for MASARG, Robyn Spicer, said there exists a strong and urgent demand for a local respite/community house for people with disabilities in the Castlemaine region and funding will provide a critical step forward.

“We have a pressing need for a respite and accommodation facility that will support people with a disability and their ageing carers in the region,” she said.

[May 2011]