Mental health at the heart of donation
Warragul Fire Brigade has thanked local concreting business Waterford Concrete Solutions for a donation.
The concreting company donated its time and materials to assist the brigade in "much needed" concrete works on the building's outdoor area.
During the pandemic lockdowns, the brigade was unable to undertake the usual fundraising activities that fund facility improvement and upgrades.
Luke Rainbow, owner of Waterford Concrete Solutions with partner Sarah Accardi, heard about the need for an upgrade to the outdoor area and offered to help out.
Mr Rainbow started his own concreting business after noticing a gap in the industry for secure employment opportunities for those experiencing mental health difficulties.
An advocate for the R U OK initiative, Mr Raindow said that although times are changing and people are more open to discussing mental health - for young concreters, bricklayers and the like, it was a different story.
"I know how hard it is," he explained, describing his own struggles with mental health and holding how a full-time position. "It is a real struggle for young blokes."
He said that often trades workplaces are a mix of older people and younger people, and it can be a struggle to turn perceptions of mental health around.
Mr Rainbow's business is focused on the well-being of employees, so when he heard about the CFA volunteer's need for an improved area in which to socialise he was quick to set up a working bee to fix it up.
He believes fire brigade members need an outlet to socialise and unwind - as their work often involved challenging and traumatic situations.
About seven people undertook the project, with Waterford Concrete Solutions donating materials.
The end result is a neat and tidy area where CFA members can get together for a chat and an occasional barbecue.
Mr Rainbow said the response from volunteers had been "amazing" and doing that type of work in the community was something he would like to continue.