Making use of a new bench are (back from left) St Joseph’s staff members Dion Westblade and Vincent Molluso, ERH community services executive director Cynthia Robins; (middle) Aboriginal health liaison officer Merinda Slater, community rehabilitation programs manager Chelsea Nevin, people and culture executive director Angela Hussey; and (front) St Joseph's College students Jackson Grove, Jayden Tura and Tommy O'Mahony. Photo: Emily Donohoe
St Joseph’s College Echuca Year 9 students have built three bench tables for Echuca Regional Health through their ‘Personal Best’ program.
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‘Personal Best’ is a subject that all Year 9 students undertake as part of St Joseph’s religious education curriculum, providing an opportunity to give back to the community.
A group of 24 students chose ERH as their organisation to give back to, and decided that creating benches would be a good use of their skills.
“It’s a group project we all did as a class together,” student Jackson Groves said.
“We all volunteered and put effort into it for staff and people around the hospital to use.”
The project required budgeting, research into materials and design planning as well as construction, taking around three months from start to finish.
“It was good at the end after we put a lot of time in the theory and then the practice, seeing it all come together,” Jackson said.
ERH people and culture executive director Angela Hussey has enjoyed watching patients, visitors and staff use the benches since they arrived.
The hospital was looking to improve their outdoor spaces, so the opportunity fit well with their plans.
“The health and wellbeing committee had identified the need and desire to be able to have outdoor furniture in the lunch areas,” she said.
“Therefore the partnership was formed, and since then, we eagerly awaited the arrival.
“They’ve been put in areas where staff, patients, consumers, families can access. It’s added valued to our existing areas.”
St Joseph’s College Year 9 students Jayden Tura, Tommy O'Mahony and Jackson Groves with staff members Vincent Molluso, Dion Westblade and one of three benches they built. Photo: Emily Donohoe
Ms Hussey was delighted to see the students choose the hospital as the organisation to give back to, drawing on the strength of community connection.
“It felt far more thoughtful than going out and buying something,” she said.
“That link to the community is really important. We’re here for them.
“We loved hearing the stories of what they’ve gone through because it’s been a win-win.
“It’s a very welcome donation.”
Through the Personal Best subject, the school also offers a career-focused program, where they support students to write resumes, host mock interviews and give them insight into the workforce.
Other projects students have worked on include building a maintenance trailer and sewing walking frame caddies, heat pillows and baby blankets for ERH.
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