Early in the Rotary year, Andrew Mills, an enthusiastic young student from Drouin Secondary College pursuing his VCE, approached the Rotary Club of Drouin, Vic, with an intriguing proposition.
Andrew and three of his fellow students had set their sights on a community service project, a vital component of their Vocational Major requirements. Their ambitious project? The refurbishment of the stairs leading to Labertouche Caves in the Labertouche Cave Geological Reserve.
This project struck a chord with the club, which had already supported a similar endeavour the previous year. Embracing the opportunity with open arms, then club member Leigh Bates took the lead. After several meetings with the students and several site visits, they collaborated with Parks Victoria Senior Ranger, Andrew Musgrove, to draft a comprehensive project and works plan. With Parks Victoria’s seal of approval, the stage was set.
Fast-forward to early September, and the dedicated group, comprising the four students, Andrew Musgrove, and four Rotarians, embarked on a journey to the project site. Over the course of three days, they poured their heart and soul into the task at hand. Their collective effort amounted to a staggering 126 volunteer hours.
PICTURED: Rotary Club of Drouin Past President Leigh Bates and Parks Victoria Senior Ranger, Andrew Musgrove, inspect the worn-out stairs leading to Labertouche Caves in the Labertouche Cave Geological Reserve.
The fruits of their labour extended beyond replacing dilapidated steps with sturdy new stone ones. The team worked tirelessly to repair other worn-out stairs, enhance traction on slippery steps, and remove obsolete fencing wire and posts. It was a comprehensive makeover that breathed new life into the area.
The students’ drive and initiative thoroughly impressed Ranger Musgrove.
“I was impressed by the students’ initiative to support the project in the early phase and involving the experienced crew from the Rotary Club of Drouin,” he said. “The team worked exceptionally well together, providing a shining example of effective project management from start to finish. I hope they can leverage this experience for future job opportunities. All team members worked safely and used teamwork to achieve their goal.”
Reflecting on the transformative experience, student Andrew Mills shared his perspective.
“Fixing the staircase to the Labertouche Caves was a lot of fun and an awesome opportunity. It’s not often that you get to venture outside of the classroom to complete ‘schoolwork’ that leaves you with a profound sense of accomplishment and a lasting impact on an area.
“I believe I learned more valuable life skills from this single project than I have throughout the entire year at school.
“I also want to express my immense gratitude to the Rotary Club of Drouin and Andrew Musgrove for sticking with us on what was quite an ambitious school project, given the remote location and tight timeframe we had to work with.”
“Another highlight was Leigh’s lunches from Drouin Rotary, which nourished us and added value by fostering great conversations during our work experience,” Ranger Musgrove said.
Rotary possesses the transformative power to ignite change, foster robust networks, and unlock boundless opportunities in every community it touches. This is one such project that will deliver a lasting benefit to everyone who visits the Labertouche Caves. It shows that Rotary is in tune with the community and can work with various groups to make a difference.
MAIN PICTURE: Leigh, Drouin club member Don Kelly and Ranger Musgrove with the Drouin Secondary College students who collectively put in 126 volunteer hours to restore the Labertouche Cave stairs.