Warrawee Lodge (Waikerie) is the result of a community based project which is totally self funded and which has registered charitable status. It provides accommodation for seniors and was founded in 1965 by some members of the Rotary Club of Waikerie and other interested community people.
The Board, comprising representatives of the local mainline churches, RSL, council and community, is voluntary and all of the administration has been carried out by volunteers until 1995, when an office Administrator was appointed.
The village has now grown to more than 70 independent living units, following a policy of social justice by ensuring that no-one is prevented from entry due to financial circumstances.
There is an active Residents' Committee which meets regularly on a voluntary basis and reviews issues of a general nature which affect the village. A representative attends Board and Quality Improvement meetings and the manager reports to their committee meetings. The Committee has been responsible for Pancake Breakfasts, Australia Day and Easter functions, Football Pool, Christmas lights and party, outdoor seating, a new flagpole and flag and Happy Hours as well as many ideas for the improvement of village facilities.
Gardens are kept by individual residents, while the communal spaces are the result of voluntary resident efforts. (The Board originally assisted with the establishment of the gardens and lawns.)
An automatic watering system to reduce consumption has been gradually installed until the project is now completed. The next stage will involve collaboration with the Council in a water recycling project for the gardens. A Maintenance Person assists with all maintenance jobs and heavy duty gardening. Lawns are cut by contractors.
Contact has also been made with the Council concerning Waste Disposal with a view to following established policy, and so next year should see some exciting innovation. Green waste has been disposed of on site as chips or mulch or Council removes the excess. Security upgrading has resulted in extensive security lighting and fencing.
There are a number of social functions held throughout the year for residents, one of the main ones being the ‘Waikerie Senior of the Year' Award in October during the Every Generation statewide celebrations. Community members are invited to attend. In the summer months a number of camp oven type dinners have proved very popular, and there have been various other social occasions.
The Board, Residents Committee and staff have worked together over the years, and are continuing to do so, to provide quality accommodation and a pleasant lifestyle for the seniors of our community.
