FAMILIES fleeing to women and children’s refuge Jenny’s Place will have their first nights away from home made a little more comfortable, thanks to a determined group of women working in design and construction.
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Out (fit) is a collective of female designers, architects, landscape architects, interior architects, construction managers and academics keen to use their skills and experience to raise the profile of women in their fields and donate their time to worthy community projects.
University of Newcastle conjoint fellow and architect Emma Guthrey said the refuge approached the head of School of Architecture and Built Environment SueAnne Ware for help to make its space more homey and safe.
A team of 38 members and volunteers devoted a recent weekend to using donated materials and services to complete the first stage of the project.
“I’m a big believer in treating people who are most vulnerable with the best service,” Ms Guthrey said.
“It’s a humanity thing – you do the best you possibly can to care for people who are feeling vulnerable.
“If they feel a little more comfortable in a space, it does make a difference and can lessen the impact.”
Professor Ware, who grew up in Compton in southern Los Angeles, told Weekender “design is important for everyone, not just those who can afford it”.
“Academics are paid by students and the public, so I think we have a responsibility and an ethic to be publicly involved,” she said.
The team has refurbished the refuge’s existing outdoor playground and garden area, which included laying concrete and paving, moving a fence, sprucing up the cubby house, installing a chalk-board and painting a mural and outdoor furniture.
Out (fit) is seeking sponsorship to replace other play equipment and install rubber floor surfacing and benches, which they hope to complete as their second stage early next year.
It will again engage volunteers for the third stage to be completed by mid 2017, which includes installing garden beds, a new deck, seating area and timber memorial seats.
At the same time, its network is helping improve Jenny’s Place mid-term accommodation by installing security screens and sensor lights and completing other works. The team will start next year on interior work.
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Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
