New furnishings for guest house

LAMINEX and Federation TAFE’s building and construction faculty have partnered to improve the comfort of residents staying at Uniting’s Reids Guest House.

Bedside units, desks, and wardrobes manufactured by Laminex have been assembled by three FedTAFE cabinetry staff and donated to the 50-bed crisis accommodation venue on Lydiard Street North.

After last year’s major renovations of the guest house following a fire, Uniting Ballarat’s senior manager of community engagement and support Warrick Davison said the furniture has further improved the upgraded space.

“By partnering with these two amazing local Ballarat businesses, we’ve been able to provide some real top-quality furniture to some of our most disadvantaged people,” he said.

“It makes our rooms feel more welcoming and shows that we have real pride in the building as well.”

As a public education and training provider, FedTAFE building and construction staffer Damien Coats said members of the local community are the institution’s most important stakeholders.

“It is really pleasing to be able to utilise our resources and skills and partner with other organisations to undertake this community service project for Reid’s Guest House,” he said.

“Uniting’s work providing shelter to those in need is critically important and we’re pleased we can supply furniture to make guests feel more comfortable.”

Laminex manufacturing manager Tania Hancock said it’s been a passion project.

“We wanted to help out in whatever way we could,” she said. “This is the community that we draw our workforce from… so it’s important for us to not only try and support the community, but to give back.”