By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on June 14, 2019
MUSICIANS rehearsing at Albany Community Music Centre now have the luxury of running water, a sink and space to store cutlery and kitchen utensils for their supper breaks thanks to the support of TAFE students and business donations.
Brad Eastough is the Certificate I and II coordinator for South Regional TAFE’s building construction program and is always on the look-out for real-life projects for his students.
When Lancaster Hall Management Committee member Robyn France asked whether his students were interested in designing, constructing and installing a functioning kitchen at the Albany Community Music Centre, Mr Eastough did not hesitate.
“Students benefit from live work,” he said.
“Normally, they will make something and just take it home, but with this, they have the enjoyment of building something the community can use.”
Mr Eastough said over 12 months, his 14 students broke the project down into a series of smaller projects and designed and constructed every element.
Cabinet making lecturer Bryan Thompson installed the finished products.
“It’s been really rewarding for the students,” Mr Eastough said.
“They can see the benefits of their labour.”
Ms France was overwhelmed at the community interest in the project and was thankful for all of the material and labour donations.
“Southern Ports paid for the plumbing, which was done by King’s Plumbing, Choices Flooring gave us some lino and laid it for us, and Brocks gave us some tiles and grout,” she said.
“It’s just great; we’ve been washing up plastic for 20 years so it’s nice to have space to use real mugs and store them somewhere other than the cleaning cupboard and have more than just an urn and a plastic dish.”
Ms France said the City of Albany Band, Albany Sinfonia, City of Albany training band and the Amazing South Coast Big Band rehearse on a weekly basis at the music centre and said the new kitchen would certainly be appreciated.
Yvette Elms from the Albany Sinfonia added that the kitchen increased the social element of band practice.
“For a lot of people, band practice is an outlet for them to drag out their instruments and is great for their mental health too,” she said.
“The social element is fantastic, and this new facility will make a huge difference – everyone can stick around for a cuppa and wash up afterwards.”
