Gloucester's Damian Rolvink has a pretty good job.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Not only does he help people regain independence in their homes, he also gets to taste some of Australia's greatest scones.
Although what's on the menu isn't the reason why Damian started working at Gloucester Home Modification Project (GHMP), it's definitely a perk that makes him smile.
Before he was offered his first position at GHMP as a trades assistance in 2007, Damian was cladding homes and installing pools.
About a year after transferring to GHMP, he started doing his carpentry apprenticeship.
During his third year, he took on night school in order to complete his Certificate III in Building.
All of these skills come in really handy when modifying people's homes to accommodate changes in mobility.
The organisation he works for is not-for-profit and is run by a volunteer management committee.
It takes on federally subsidised projects to modify homes for people of all ages, from the older generation who need a little support in order to stay at home through to younger people with disabilities.
"One of the first things I noticed about the job was how you were seeing an outcome for people," Damian said. "It's not about the money, it's about giving people back their independence."
Damian does everything from major bathroom modifications for wheelchair access to support rails, from replacing light globes and tap washers to installing elevators.
The whole process is done through collaboration with other community services to ensure each person gets exactly what they need to be independent in their home.
"Every job is different. Everyone has a different need. The location of a grab rail for one person may be different for the next," he said.
Spending a fair bit of time in someone's home also makes way for new friendships.
"I enjoy engaging with the clients, building relationships and learning about the history of the town," Damian said.
"It's like working for your grandma, plus I get scones and pea soup for lunch. That's a bonus. They look after me," he smiled.
An eye opening job that sticks out in Damian's mind took place about 10 years ago in Nowendoc for a woman in her 90s.
"She was 100 per cent independent but she was still showering outside and the house was falling apart around her. But she wanted to stay at home," Damian said,
The house was quite primitive with no indoor plumbing and it was very secluded.
"It was surprising to see how she managed at that age in that environment," he said.
Damian and his crew would travel up and stay through the week for about a month to get the home completely modified with hot water, a new bathroom and a new laundry.
"She was one of the best scone makers," he laughed. "Cooked them in a wood oven."
Anyone who needs advice about home modifications or has any questions about the process can drop by the Gloucester Home Modification Project office in the Majestic Arcade or call 6558 1050. GHMP is currently looking for interested people or service providers to join the voluntary management committee. Interested parties should reply in writing by November 30 to The Secretary, Gloucester Home Modification Project Inc, PO Box 106, Gloucester 2422.