Rowallan Park marked its 10th birthday with a special celebration in December.
By Rev Michael Duke
“And the air guitar hero of Rowallan Park is … Will. Congratulations.”
The cheering and applause was deafening.
Will was a standout among an already outstanding cast of virtual virtuosos at our winter karaoke event.
A seasoned actor of some note, Will is no stranger to an adoring audience.
Will is one of 11 stars who live in our supported accommodation, but they are only part of the Intentional Community here at Rowallan Park in Kingston, Tasmania.
In December, Rowallan Park celebrated a decade as an Intentional Community, a vision birthed by the spirit of God in the community of the Kingston Uniting Church.
But the story begins earlier than our opening 10 years ago.
Way before the architect’s pencil had even hit the paper, the community was already there.
How better to share the privilege, and challenge of raising children who live with disabilities, than to gather with others whose experience is similar, whose empathy is shared, whose mutual wisdom can lead to innovation?
Janine and Richard Romaszco, parents and congregation members, are among the significant facilitators who faithfully embody and cultivate this vision within their community and congregation.
Janine’s speech at our 10th birthday celebration beautifully captured the community and church’s heart felt aspirations.
“We as a church made a pledge to provide supported accommodation as a ‘home for life’ for up to 12 people with a disability. We want our people to be known, to feel welcomed, valued, respected and to have a sense of belonging and security. To live well, each of us needs to feel part of a community. Rowallan Park continues to encourage the development of a caring, cohesive community while retaining flexibility and respect for individual needs, choice and privacy.”
So how does such a bold pledge transform into a beautiful residential home for these lovely people?
Well, Kingston Uniting Church, where some of the community’s families worshipped, had land …
Formerly a Presbyterian campsite, Rowallan Park is nestled in a pretty ‘bushland-esque’ setting halfway up ‘Boronia Hill’, looking out across the seabound end of the mighty Derwent River on muwinina country, on the island of lutruwita, now known as Tasmania.
At one of those pivotal moments in history, when vision aligns with government policy, funding from the Federal Government’s Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund was sought and won and a state-of-the-art facility was built to give our beloved neighbours the opportunity to live their best self-determined lives.
Rowallan Park residents were in fine voice during the birthday celebration.
The site consists of four spacious single-bedroom independent units, two two-bedroom units and ‘The Big House’, which consists of four huge bedrooms, a couple of living rooms, a pretty big bath, and overnight sleeping accommodation for staff.
Across the driveway is the community centre incorporating a large flexible worship space, huge foyer area, commercial-grade kitchen with disability-access benches, meeting room, offices and a large hall.
All the facilities are enjoyed by choirs, exercise groups, cooking schools, playgroups and community support agencies, all for well below commercial rates, and their patrons often comment on the tranquil vibe of this special place.
It’s a great place to live and, as a resident here for nearly seven years, I should know.
Yep, Rowallan Park also has a manse where Sally and I are treated to a view from the heavens.
God’s presence is felt everywhere here.
It exudes from the staff of UAICC Leprena, as they run the business side of their operations and events in the community centre.
It is felt by the patrons of the long list of businesses and community groups who also enjoy our facilities.
It is felt by our governance team as we celebrate the staff of our care provider and partner, “My Supports”, in their exemplary care of our cherished Ro Park family.
It is felt when we gather together as a full community around significant birthdays, quiz nights, bonfires, karaoke, games, picnics, AFL and NBL grand finals, and, well, in the chats that spontaneously occur in the common areas as members faithfully care for our home … and our chickens.
At our anniversary luncheon, resident Elise summed up best the fulfilment of Kingston Uniting Church’s pledge in her beautiful speech.
“For me, living at Ro Park is socialising amidst nature and visiting my neighbours. I enjoy sitting outside, listening to birds, taking in the view, and also having my friends around me, connecting with each other most of all. Living at Rowallan Park has helped me to feel strong and confident.”
