AN ALBURY renovation project has turned into a major investment of time, effort, goodwill and philanthropy, not just property.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Four units in Kiewa Street are being overhauled in preparation for a November auction that will raise money for the Carevan Foundation.
But although supporters are many, qualified workers are lacking and those behind the scheme hope a tiler, particularly, might come forward to contribute.
The upgrade, dubbed The Local Evolution, began after owners Adam Coates, of Sydney, and Sunshine Coast’s Mark Kelman bought the units in January last year and discussed the site’s potential with Border agents.
Harcourts Albury-Wodonga principal Craig Huckel saw the chance to help a local charity and also promote Albury-Wodonga “to show what we’ve got and what we can do”.
I was always trying to build some wealth so I could give back at the end, but then I realised actually I could do it along the way.
- Adam Coates
The owners are paying the renovation costs and a portion of the auction profits plus Mr Huckel’s commission will be donated, a total expected to exceed $30,000.
“The more we sell this for, the more we donate,” Mr Huckel said.
Mr Coates said he and Mr Kelman considered the plan a great idea.
“Both Mark and I like to be involved with charity and we just thought it was a great opportunity to be able to give back to the community at the same time as having a commercial development,” Mr Coates said.
“I was always trying to build some wealth so I could give back at the end, but then I realised actually I could do it along the way.”
Builder Justin Stevens, of Express Property Solutions, is leading the renovations and other tradespeople have also donated their time.
But last week’s improved weather inevitably sent many skilled helpers back to their own sites, limiting the available workforce.
Mr Stevens said upgrading the single and two-bedroom units was not in itself complicated.
“The only difficulties that we’ve had is just the lack of helping hands,” he said. “It’s been crazy; we’re starting at four in the morning and finishing probably about 7pm.”
Any tradesperson able to assist can contact Mr Huckel on 0488 494 873.
More information is available on The Local Evolution website and Facebook page.