It has been said that “to plant a seed is to believe in tomorrow” and that is what the Cobargo Garden Community Shed is all about. After such devastation from the fires, this project brings hopes.
Lisa Tuersley, CEO, Building Angels describes the project as a dual project saying "not only is it delivering the Community Garden shed to keep the community connected by sharing common interests but also providing a workshop setting to upskill and give confidence to the budding owner-builder to tackle a shed build of their own by attending the workshop and then accessing discounted materials through the Building Angels Building Back Better program and other discounted materials specific to this build."
“The Phoenix Shed concept was born from discussions with community members of Quaama and Cobargo and the frustration of not having the funding to offer support but this hard realisation spurred us on – we are a small not-for-profit that previously operated only on donations in-kind and we needed to work differently to fulfill our commitment to fire-affected communities such as Cobargo and surrounding towns” said Ms Tuersley
"The Phoenix BASE Shed provides a good starting point for people but from this base design they can make modification to create the same style as the Cobargo Community Garden Shed or any other variation to suit their needs and budget (STCA).
“With still so many people still living under canvas, in mini buses or caravans, we hope that the Phoenix Shed will provide a starting point and hope for the pathway home.”
"The extension of the program for all fire affected communities is the Building Back Better initiative for discounted materials to support those rebuilding after loss from fires. The suppliers that are supporting this program include Spantec Steel Building System, Deco Australia with the DecoWoodTM range of aluminium claddings, decking and battens, Coldbuster underfloor heating systems to mention a few," the CEO of Building Angels said
To apply for discounted materials via the Building Back Better Discounted Materials Program visit https://www.buildingangels.com.au/bushfire-relief
If you are interested finding more about the Phoenix Shed Program , please email
phoenix@buildingangels.org.au
For those wishing to support Building Angels with a donation visit www.buildingangels.org.au.
Lisa Tuersley, CEO, Building Angels talks about Building Angels:
"Building Angels is a unique building charity registered under ACNC that focuses on making homes safe, secure and liveable for those experiencing financial hardship from domestic violence, disability, illness and climatic/natural disasters.
Building Angels remediates homes, free of charge with the support of industry partners (trades and suppliers) who offer their services/materials in-kind. The charity aims to supports those who often fall through the cracks of other structured support systems, and the help is founded on the idea that a helping ‘hand up’ and not a ‘hand out’ can rebuild peoples’ lives.
Building Angels have developed two programs for fire-affected communities.
The first being the "Phoenix Shed" for the Cobargo and surrounding suburbs in recognition that both storage and temporary accommodation was urgently required for many. This program aims to build, in a workshop setting the Cobargo Community Garden Shed and provide the skills and advice for those participating in the program to owner-build their own shed. The extension of this program actually provides a discount on the materials that are required to build the base shed - The Phoenix Shed for those that are participating.
The DA for the Community Shed is currently with Council and has been assured of a fast-track application.
This program could be extended to other areas but it was through a grant that Building Angels was able to implement this program in Cobargo and as such additional funding would need to be found if other communities beyond Cobargo and its surrounding towns were interested to do the same. We are currently speaking to Jamie Shaw in Tathra about their community shed after conversations with Mary Kite from Bega Valley."
