San Miguel

A project in partnership with Richmond & Kurrajong North Richmond Rotary Clubs

‘Learning Hub for Mums & Bubs’

 Introduction:

San Miguel is situated on a 19-hectare property located at 884 Kurmond Rd, North Richmond 2754. It is a tertiary residential parenting program facility and caters for young parents up to the age of 25 and their children. The program provides a vital, unique, service that meets a gap in the out of home care system, supporting young parents with children who have experienced trauma and are of risk of harm.

The many young parents that reside at San Miguel live in 17 self-contained units and homes available and have new babies and young children who are at risk of entering or re-entering out of home care.

Project:

The Rotary Club of Richmond Board, through the leadership of President Rod Rose, wanted to enter into a partnership with KNR on a project that was linked to the District Governor’s Christine Owens campaign ‘Saying No to Domestic Violence and Yes to Positive Relationships’. After reflection, discussion and ongoing communication with the Board of KNR, an Enabling Committee was formed from both clubs with the following members: President Rod Rose, PP Debbie Cooper, PP & Pres Elect Peter Chidgey, PP Ian Jordan, PP & Community Services Director John Godsell (Richmond) and PP Rob Ewin, PP Mary Kinnon, PP Jim Berrell and International Services Director Terry Kennedy (North Richmond).

The team has met at San Miquel on several occasions and participated in a Teams online meeting to explore options of support for the San Miguel programs.

After much consideration & review, two rooms on site were identified to be repurposed to become a Learning & Well Being Hub for ‘Mums & Bubs’ who have been traumatised by domestic violence. The project will entail repainting, recarpeting, adding A/C, technology capability and equipment and providing flexible and agile furniture for young children. This Hub will be used to upskill young women in various skills, used as a Literacy Centre for under 5’s and an after-school Homework Club for primary aged children. (Estimate $40,000).

Funding:

The Boards of both Rotary clubs have agreed to provide funds for this project through the Community of Rotary Raceday to be held at the Hawkesbury Race Club on Thursday 24th October 2024. President Rod Rose applied for a District Grant to support this endeavour and was successful with $7,000 being deposited into Richmond Rotary Accounts. A total of $28,000 was raised, with the agreement of both clubs to fund 50% (each) of any shortfall in revenues needed to complete the project.