Making a Difference: A Carer Home Makeover

On Saturday 21 October, a Carer Makeover was carried out in Melbourne’s South for dedicated OzChild Carer Annette. The makeover was successful thanks to the generosity of local trades, organised by long-term supporter of OzChild, David Gibson from O’Brien Electrical Carrum Downs. The Rotary Frankston Sunrise also had members attend on the day to volunteer time and labour. All of which added to the success of the makeover.

Deserving recipient of the makeover, Annette has been a foster carer for the last 23 years. Caring for several children over that time before welcoming two young people with complex needs as long-term placements into her home. Outside of being a carer, Annette has a big family; with her grown children and grandchildren visiting regularly.

For carers like Annette, the makeover is a chance to get gardening, maintenance and repairs done they may not have had the time or resources to do. The makeover also gives businesses in the community and team members a chance to give back to those who give so much in their lives, making a difference one volunteer at a time.

On the day, a mixed team led by David Gibson got to work landscaping the garden back to front, carrying out rubbish removal and electrical repairs. The garden also had new plants added and raised garden beds for herbs and veggies installed. Materials were generously donated to assist with completing the projects. Thank you to our partners Enviroscope and O’Brien Electrical for contributing the necessary parts needed to complete the jobs carried out on the day.

“Annette does a lot for everyone in her life, as a carer and a parent. Being able to bring the team together to do a makeover is our way of saying thanks, for everything she does for others, it really is the least we can do.” -David Gibson

The OzChild team and volunteers are grateful for the opportunity to meet carers like Annette and learn more about their needs and experiences in the home while fostering. In giving back this way, we can help lighten the load and make a difference where it counts.

OzChild thanks all those involved in the lead-up to and on the day of the makeover, especially David Gibson who worked tirelessly to ensure the makeover delivered as much as possible for Annette on the day.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed on the day and those who donated products, services, goods and their time to lend a hand. 

Thank you to O’Brien Electrical Carrum Downs, Rotary Frankston Sunrise, Enviroscope and Somerville Garden Supplies for materials and labour. Thanks also to Tip Top Bread and McKays Quality Meats Langwarrin for providing food on the day.