The SEMZ team, along with representatives from the PCYC, RMIT, Hansen Yuncken, Gray Puksand, The Jack Brockhoff Foundation and numerous other project supporters and contributors, celebrated the completion of the facility.
The amazing result of a collaborative project working with 20 RMIT University Students across the two years and the PCYC, the brand new fully furnished cooking, socialising and entertainment hub is ready to be enjoyed by residents of the PCYC rooming house.
Christine Fitzherbert – CEO of St Kilda PCYC expressed the PCYC’s gratitude in celebrating the launch of the Pod. ‘The Pod is going to mean something very special to the residents of the St Kilda PCYC rooming house’. The self-funded charity has been helping disadvantaged youth since 1947 and aims to reduce suicide rates, depression and crime amongst Melbourne’s youth. PCYC manages the house at 175 Inkerman Street, providing support and accommodation to the 18-25 year old tenants who have worked their way through the Salvation Army program and are now positioned in the halfway house as a place to set them up for the future.
Christine explained that the new space will make a real difference to enjoyment for the residents of the house; ‘They have rooms of their own but there is no communal living space – which has been a concern for PCYC management for a long period of time. The house itself is rather old and cramped, so having this marvellous new communal living centre will mean a great deal and make a big difference to those living in the house. It is special, and I commend and congratulate everyone involved in putting this together’.
‘This contribution means a great deal to all the young people at PCYC. The Board are very grateful for the work. Having this marvellous new communal living centre will mean a great deal and make a big difference to those living in the house’
Speaking on behalf of SEMZ, Director Ken Santamaria was keen to thank everyone involved in providing what is a phenomenal facility for the PCYC. ‘One of our core values at SEMZ is Fulfillment, and we like to ensure that what we do is fulfilling for our people, and everyone we engage with. Completing any construction project is always fulfilling, but this project takes that to the next level. Being able to give residents of the PCYC an opportunity to socialise, cook, interact and connect in this fantastic new space brings a great sense of fulfilment to everyone involved in this project.’
‘Completing any construction project is always fulfilling, but this project takes that to the next level’
With many contributors to thank, Ken elaborated that ‘the way we collaborate and engage with people is a big part of the experience for the SEMZ team. From PCYC, to RMIT, Hansen Yuncken and to everyone who donated – Anita and Doug from the Jack Brockoff foundation, to Guinevere from RMIT. Thank you. We sat down with Guinevere two years ago to discuss how we as Project Managers could assist RMIT students with Capstone project delivery. I don’t think we ever envisaged we’d get to this! Phenomenal collaboration from everyone involved. You should all feel proud and fulfilled and we thank you for your support.’
Brian Mc Adam – Hansen Yuncken Operation Manager, spoke of the experience for the construction team – ‘It’s been a great journey for all of us. I particularly want to thank the sub-contractors we’ve worked with for everything, for donating their time, being here for the early morning starts at 6.30 and taking my calls after hours to get the job done. Thanks to PCYC for having us in your life, and we thank Christine and Jacob for having us here at PCYC.’
Brian reflected on the experience for the students and industry coming together – ‘We’ve seen a lot of learning with the students coming together with industry, experiencing how things unfold and solving problems. It’s been a great learning experience and opportunity for the students and something we should be doing more with students to learn how things really work. ‘
‘It’s been a great learning experience and opportunity for the students and something we should be doing more with students to learn how things really work’
SEMZ Project Manager Declan Cashin worked on the PCYC project from start to finish. Collaborating with students, contractors, designers, the PCYC and the SEMZ team, Declan’s contribution to the project was appreciated by all. PCYC Facilities Manager Jacob shared a heartfelt thanks from everyone who lives in the house. ‘It’s been a massive project – Declan’s been an absolute legend. For those who didn’t see what the shed used to be.. it’s a lot better! Thanks to everyone.’
With ‘The Pod’ now complete and being enjoyed by residents, we shift the focus to improving another area of the PCYC rooming house. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with RMIT and the PCYC in 2020 as we continue to support our local community.