Building A Better Cottage

Building A Better Cottage

Cottage by the Sea. Non-profit. Non-government funded. A proud charitable history with a future as bright as the smiles we deliver.

For over 125 years we’ve provided much-needed assistance in the form of our inspiring seaside camps.

We’re in the unique position of relying entirely on donations from the community to deliver our invaluable inspiration to underprivileged children.

To continue this vital service, we need to grow.

To grow, we need to make some essential upgrades.

To make these essential upgrades, we require funding.

But instead of blindly asking for money, here’s a sneak peak of our grand plan to take the Cottage into the future.

1.     Fire Services

To get our beloved Cottage up to code, we need to address a few critical issues within the building. The Cottage itself is older than time, and it’s highly important we implement the installation of smoke and thermal detectors, replacement of the fire sprinkler control valve box, signage, replacing fire sprinkler pipe works, additional fire extinguishers installations, and fire hydrants alterations, to comply with Australian Standards.

2.     Accessibility Upgrades

Our vision is that every child deserves a happy and a healthy childhood, so we need to be able to cater for everyone who comes through the Cottage. The site requires work to ramps, stairs, car park, doors, toilets, signage, paths, and decks.

3.     Major Access Works

Stemming from our accessibility upgrades is our major access works. This includes extensive attention to the second storey of the Cottage, which will require installation of a lift, decking rebuild, room extension, two accessible bedrooms with en-suite, accessible bathroom and ambulatory W/Cs at both levels.

4.     Restoration Works

The Cottage has withstood many seasons of Queenscliff’s coastal climate, and needs a facelift to bring the exterior/interior up to speed with the rest of our operation. Projected works include rendering/concrete repairs, painting internal/external, heating upgrade, window maintenance, guttering repairs, and sealing the car park.

5.     Transport

Our trusty Cottage camp bus has played a big role in positively impacting many young lives, but it’s time she retired. A new, 24 seat bus is needed to get our campers to and from various activities and destinations swiftly and safely.

TOTAL INDICATIVE ESTIMATE – $2.9M

Yep, it sounds like a big figure. But we have faith in our community that we can generate enough support to make it happen. If you’re thinking about donating, think about how you aren’t just helping Cottage by the Sea, you’re assisting in putting a smile on the faces of countless less fortunate young people. Rest assured that every cent of your donation goes directly to the Cottage’s great cause.

We’ve come a mighty long way throughout our long history, and the Cottage will always be the Cottage. These upgrades and restorations will ensure our vital work is able to continue, to the best of our ability, for generations to come.

To help us on our journey, feel free to make a donation here. All donations of over $2 are tax deductible.