Creating strong community ties has always been a feature of our telecommunications business, so it was with great pride that the team handed over its latest community project recently in regional NSW.

In collaboration with the Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), our Telco team has been busy renovating the Tharawal Community Centre in Couridjah, NSW. The region is home to the Tharawal people and the facility is utilised by this group for various activities. The Tharawal LALC also opened up the facility for community events and this has taken on a much more critical place in the region following the bushfires earlier this year which devastated many properties.

Upgrading local facilities

Set on a large rural parcel of land, the upgrade project was divided into two stages. Firstly, the Tharawal office was moved from a building at the rear of the property into a modern dwelling nearer to the entrance. This entailed running new communication cabling throughout five rooms, transporting IT equipment and integrating the network. Our own Ventia technicians, along with long-term contractor, GS Tele, assisted in bringing this stage together.

Secondly, the kitchen and toilet facilities in the rear building were in need of some attention. This building encompasses a large auditorium which acts as the hub for meetings, educational activities, celebrations and large gatherings. The adjoining kitchen was not adequate enough to cater for the use of this building, so it was a great opportunity to really make an impact on the way the centre operates.

Ventia engaged local contractors to install new kitchen cabinetry, plumbing, tiling, electrical wiring and to remove a wall to open up the space. New toilets were also installed, and a fresh coat of paint was applied by the Ventia team, alongside Wayne from the Tharawal LALC, which really finished off the makeover.

The facility was officially opened in late November with Ventia Group Executive Telecommunications Tim Harwood joining Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO, Robyn Straub leading the formalities. The event was also attended by Tharawal board members, nbnco as well as the NSW Ventia Telco Leadership Team.

Community projects such as this are uniquely rewarding as they enable opportunities to share, respect and understand," said Ventia Manager Stakeholder Engagement NSW Glenn Craft.  'This was certainly the case with this project at Couridjah and we're delighted to have been a part of it.