Sydney-based charity Warrah Society has launched the ‘Bathroom Blitz' project, which will see 17 bathrooms renovated and upgraded across seven of their group homes in Sydney's north west for people with multiple disabilities.
With an estimated value of more than $250,000, the project is run by Brookfield Multiplex, donating its time and knowledge to Warrah and also encouraging sub-contractors to pitch in with both time and supplies to the cause. As a result, this significant project is being delivered at no cost to Warrah.
The relationship between Brookfield Multiplex and Warrah was born through Urban Taskforce's Property Person of the Year event when Brookfield Multiplex Chairman Ross McDiven was the award recipient in 2012. Warrah is one of the beneficiaries of funds raised from the event.
After a visit to Warrah, Ross saw the need for building upgrades and an opportunity for BM and their subcontractors to help make a difference to the lives of those who depend on support from Warrah.
The support from the industry has been generous with many of Brookfield Multiplex’s subcontractors donating materials and labour to the cause. Companies such as The Buchan Group, StrataSurv, Mann Group, Air Safe, Polyseal and Dial a Dump deserve special mention as they have donated significant resources across all seven homes.
Founded in 1965 by Karl and Hannelor Kaltenbach when they worked with a small group of intellectually disabled teenagers to clear land in Dural for an organic vegetable garden, Warrah has since grown into a charity that employs 140 staff and supports a community of over 100 families and extended families through a range of services. In addition to group homes, Warrah provides Day Services and a Special School for children aged 5 to 18 years.
Over a period of five months, the 17 bathrooms will be upgraded resulting in modern designs that improve independence, safety and privacy for the many residents living within the homes.
Warrah is also actively fundraising and seeking other partners in order to upgrade several facilities, refurbish the kitchen of its Special School, upgrade a building for holiday accommodation for children with disabilities and build training rooms to enable Warrah to deliver its range of educational programs and courses.
