There were lots of smiles and sighs of relief when the committee of the Tasmanian Forest Festival officially handed over a new ride on lawnmower to the McMullen Abbeyfield House to assist residents of the house with the upkeep of their extensive landscaped gardens around the house.

The Tasmanian Forest Festival is operated on a not-for-profit basis and each year the committee nominates a significant beneficiary to receive a major proportion of the festivals proceeds.  Previous beneficiaries have included the Royal Hobart Hospital Paediatric Unit, the purchase of a portable defibrillator for access by trained local emergency services employees and volunteers in the Geeveston area, assisting in the development of the Huon PCYC, and the purchase of training and debriefing equipment for the Huon Valley State Emergency Service. 

When applications for beneficiaries were called the committee received five very worthy applications.  The applications were reviewed in detail by three judges, Sean Riley (Forest and Forest Industries Council), Robert Armstrong (Mayor of the Huon Valley Council) and Tony Coulson (Bendigo Bank Geeveston).  During the selection process, all applications were reviewed and even though the final decision was a close one, the successful applicant was announced as Abbeyfield.

Making the presentation, Chairman of the Tasmanian Forest Festival committee, Mr Roger Browne said we are delighted to be able to assist with the increase in infrastructure for the McMullen Abbeyfield house at Huonville.

Abbeyfield Huon Valley aims to provide supportive housing for people in the community aged over 55 years.  It is designed for people who do not feel comfortable living alone and seek company and also older people who may be no longer able to cope with the upkeep of their homes and grounds. 

President of the Abbeyfield House committee, Mr Kent Wells is absolutely delighted with the decision. 

The grounds of the McMullen Abbeyfield house are extensive with significant lawn area and gardens for the enjoyment of residents and their families.

“Currently the lawns are maintained by three older volunteers and one of the very active Abbeyfield residents using a standard push mower.  Our successful application to the Tasmanian Forest Festival will enable us to purchase a ride-on mower to make the job a little easier.” Kent said.

Kent added “Abbeyfield gives residents the freedom to live fuller lives in their later years without being tied to household chores.  The addition of a ride-on lawn mower will ensure not only our lawns will be maintained with the least amount of fuss – but our volunteers and residents will have a much easier task to keep the lawns in great order.”