Charity finds new home
Olivia's Place is excited to move to its new home in Drouin.
The not-for-profit organisation that supports families during pregnancy and early childhood has been operating out of two separate locations in Warragul for several years. It has been on the hunt for a larger, secure location from which to operate for some time.
And finally is moving to 2-4 Calway St Drouin, the former site of the Landmark School Supplies, and has partnered with Metricon to get its consulting rooms ready for operation.
The Metricon team was responsible for constructing a 20 metre wall inside the facility. The wall will separate the op shop, which is accessible to the general public, from the consulting rooms and offices - providing clients with privacy and dignity when accessing services.
The new space is five times the size of the charity's original locations combined and will provide security for the next three years thanks to the fundraising efforts of local community members, businesses, and the support of Baw Baw Shire. Due to the size of the building, support workers will be able to have their own offices and warehouse volunteers will be able to have better organisation space and systems. The size also allows more space for parenting workshops and education sessions, and an even larger space for the 'Little Livvy's Place' opportunity shop.
Olivia's Place began the big move last week and hopes to open on Thursday. Metricon project leader service and warranty manager for Gippsland Josh Tree said the organisation did great work in the community.
"It's nice to take a step back and work on something like this," he said.
He and his team began the project on May 25 and the following Thursday had almost completed it.
All the materials used were donated by suppliers, including Dahlsens for timber and materials and Knauf plasterboard for plasterboard and plaster products.
Olivia's Place operations manager Heather Kane said the charity was extremely grateful to Metricon and their suppliers.
"We have been incredibly busy with the relocation of our primary facility and we would not have been able to do it without the hard work and dedication from Josh and his team," she said.
"We are so excited to be able to soon open and continue the help and support to families who are in need."
Metricon's regional manager Jason MacGregor said the organisation had been working with Olivia's Place for three years.
Olivia's Place has launched a Home Branch Appeal this month, which provides community members the opportunity to fundraise or donate to the charity. Anyone wanting to do so can visit op-homebranch.raisely.com/helpusgrow