Gareth Ward MP presenting the latest cheque

The Lions Club of Kiama’s Centenary  project, to renovate a disused cottage owned by Council into a modern respite centre for carers of the chronically sick to have a break by the sea, will be open to the public for inspection prior to it taking in its first guests.

The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, recently presented a cheque for $10,000 from the Premier of New South Wales to put the finishing touches to the project. It is in addition to an earlier $40,000 of funding by the NSW Government.

The project has been a labour of love for the local Lions clubs, supported by donations by the community, local businesses and volunteer work by tradespeople.

The Bugle has given progress reports along the way, as the cottage has been transformed into a three bedroom space with a shared kitchen and lounge, and front and back decks.

Amongst the last major works to be done were the installation of a new driveway and the erection of safety fencing. A solar hot water system has been installed and a solar power system is soon to join it.

Landscaping will start shortly as a final element.

“A Wollongong-based charity which supports carers has visited the project and was delighted with what they saw and are eager to send us clients as soon as possible,” says Lion Jerry Granger-Holcombe.

“We are happy to show the Cottage off to people who have donated to making it a reality before it goes into action.”

The Kiama Matinee Theatre’s latest production is to raise funds for the Cottage.

Details: The Carers’ Cottage will be open for inspection on Friday 26 October, 10am-noon

.