Residents Involvement
Making Friends and Getting the Job Done
Kellie Bryans is a mother of three who has lived in Wendouree West for over eight years. She was also a part of a team of Wendouree West residents employed with Ballarat Group Training on a 12-month traineeship. The work was funded by a grant of $250,00 from Sustainable Energies Victoria (SEAV) to carry out environmental upgrades on some houses in the area to make them more energy efficient.
Kellie tells us how she came to join the team…
I had been a full time mother bringing up three children and had seen my youngest start prep this year. I saw some information on the Community Jobs Program in a community newsletter and although I had never had any formal training in building and landscaping works I had always been interested in it. At first I was still a bit hesitant but after talking to my neighbour I decided to give it a go.
Anyway I got the gig and started with a group of 20 others including eight women. It was a great experience as we gained skills in painting and landscaping and I now also know how to build a fence.
Near
the end of our 16-week with CJP they asked if anyone was interested in
starting a 12-month traineeship. I borrowed a computer from my mum and put
in my resume. After my interview I was rapt to find out I had one of the
jobs. I was looking forward to learning heaps more over the 12-months and
then was hoping to get a job in this field.
As
well as this I made new friends and gained a lot of more confidence to go
and try things. Where previously I used to stay in my house a lot I now get
out with the kids and do a lot more activities. I now feel a lot happier and
work has helped give me a purpose.
One
of the things I was worried about was finding care for my children but I
have found that there is plenty after school and holiday care available. And
although the kids are sometimes a little grumpy that I get them out of bed a
bit earlier than they’re used to, they’re also happy that I’m working
and are actually quite proud of me.
I
would advise anyone that is in the same situation that I was in to go out
there and have a go. You’ll love it.
Residents Speak of their
involvement in the Renewal
When I first heard about
the Renewal I was really excited and wanted to be involved as it felt like
the first time in years that Government wanted to wanted to work with the
community. The
Renewal is the chance for us to grow personally, develop skills, and have
input into changing the perception of Wendouree West and making us a model
neighbourhood.
Gayle Britten
‘We
are really proud to have our work exhibited in the community and to have the
chance to do something for the whole community. One of the characters (in
the mural) is set among some buildings that represent the concrete jungle
that people can get caught up in. The character is attempting to break out
from the struggle and encourages others to do likewise – no matter what
the adversity. It relates to the internal struggle to find yourself and how
to go about your life – to understand things yourself.’
Daniel Gallagher
& Ben Murphy (Mural
Project)
‘I never intended to
give up illicit drugs – the Neighbourhood Renewal gave me something better
than illicit drugs. It let me give something back to the community - rather
than take from it in illicit ways. The Wendouree West
Community Renewal Team has put the human face back into human services. We
are all in this together. We are there – there are changes going on for
all of us. People look at you in the eye now, people on the street.’
Kevin Waugh
I am enjoying the Renewal
and I am getting a lot out of it because I suffer with dyslexia and about
twelve months ago I would not have been doing this at all. I encourage more
people who have the same problems as I have to do it. If can do it, all of
you who are out there in the community can do it too.’
V
‘I love the people her
in Wendouree West, there is no class distinction, we are all struggling to
make ends meet, and we are here to support and care for each other because
we understand the loneliness and isolation we have all been through at some
time or other. I feel secure walking
down the streets, even when it is dark, knowing there is always a warm
welcome in most of the homes in Wendouree West for me. And I could not
imagine living anywhere else.’
Elly Green
‘Although it has been
at times been frustrating, I would recommend the Renewal to anyone. My
involvement has made me more outgoing and I am more conscious of community
issues and aware of community attitudes. I now no longer see the
government as bureaucrats and lawmakers but now as people who are concerned
about the community.’
Barry Stannard