Rotary have long been a supporter of humanitarian projects both here in our local area and overseas, and their support of various Parklands projects over the years has benefited not only the community but also the environment.
Parklands gratefully acknowledge the Rotary Club of Albury Foundation for providing funding for a successful three-year pilot program to tidy up at Waterworks Regional Park. If you’ve been enjoying the expansive green space alongside the refreshing waters of the Murray River at this favourite local spot, you have disAbility staff supported by Evolve Access Support Services to thank! This Parklands project aims to transform the Waterworks area through regular mowing during the spring and summer months with the goal of improving the visitor experience, while at the same time providing an opportunity for disadvantaged members of the community to gain employment and learn new skills.

In fact, the program turned out to be more of a success than first hoped! Initially, disAbility staff were using push mowers to cover small patches of grass each week. However, after Evolve Access Support Services procured a larger ride-on mower and trained disAbility staff in its use, the efficiency in the mowing activities increased greatly! This has resulted in the expansion of the mowing schedule to include track heads along the Project 66 route much to the delight of both neighbours and visitors! This improved amenity has resulted in better visitor behaviour with the community picking up rubbish and reporting any issues.

While Rotary has always been focused on supporting people from disadvantaged backgrounds, in recent years they have also branched out into environmental projects, officially making it a new focus area. This is in response to the growing threat of climate change on the human population and it acknowledges that our impacts on the environment must always be considered to ensure we act in ways that are sustainable.
The Rotary Club of Albury Foundation have also been generously flexible, providing further funding to expand the scope of the mowing program to allow disAbility staff to be paid to assist Rangers with the installation of boardwalks along the Project 66 route. With the help of a trolley designed and manufactured by the Wodonga Men’s Shed, disAbility staff and Rangers were able to move the bulky frames into place and complete the installation when river levels were low.

Additional works along the Project 66 route that are being funded by the Rotary Club of Albury Foundation include construction and installation of chicane gates and fencing at river ports, building stock exclusion fencing, and hosting community planting days. The scope of Project 66 is to connect existing recreation trails which will provide continuous pedestrian access from the hills surrounding Albury Wodonga all the way to Lake Hume.
Thank you, Rotary, for helping get this major Parklands project closer to reality!