Bidwill Blitz Build November 2009
Two Australian families in need each moved into a brand new home in time for Christmas thanks to Habitat for Humanity Australia (HFHA) taking up the challenge to build two new houses in just 12 days. Through its Bidwill Blitz Build project, HFHA helped the Webeck and Hart families by building two new homes in less than a fortnight in Sydney’s Western suburb of Bidwill.
Foundation Sponsor QBE LMI was joined by supporters, surprise guests, Aussie volunteers and other corporate sponsors, such as Origin Energy, in building the new homes.
The Hon. David Borger, MP officially launched the Bidwill Blitz Build, and along with his staff, was onsite for a full day to help build the two new homes. During the build, MPs united and also took up the challenge to roll up their sleeves at the Bidwill Blitz Build.
Finally, the Sydney Swans swapped the AFL ground for a building site, as they joined volunteers and corporate sponsor QBE to help complete the building.
Volunteers participated in an array of building activity, from erecting frames of the houses and inserting windows, through to painting walls and laying turf for the children to play on, all within 12 days!
About the Hart and Webeck families:
Rhiannon Hart and her two small children had been moving constantly with no stable place to live. With Rhiannon’s two year old daughter Emily already having endured a heart operation, and being monitored by doctors for hip and foot abnormalities, and Rhiannon herself suffering from a number of medical conditions, they can look forward to the comfort and stability of their new home.
Sue-Anne Webeck is a hard working Aussie mum who had tried for years to be able to afford a home for herself and 17 year old son Michael. Sue Anne, who works at Hebersham Public School, had been unable to borrow enough money to secure a decent home and was delighted to finally achieve her dream of home ownership.
Both the Hart and Webeck families have contributed to the cost of their homes with ‘sweat equity’ assisting in building their own homes and others, which are financed with affordable low interest loans.
How you can get involved
If you would like to get involved with Habitat for Humanity NSW, there are lots of opportunities to provide in-kind and financial support, volunteer in skilled and unskilled roles, on or off-site, and help advocate for safe, decent, affordable housing. Please click here for more information on how you can help.