The Townsville Airport maintenance crew swapped their busy operational environment for a quieter community space last week when they swooped in and went to work at Ozcare Day Respite Centre (DRC) in Townsville.

A ‘backyard blitz’ at the centre at Mooney Street in Gulliver marked the end of a program that also included Christmas baking, gift giving and a tour of the airport with morning tea.

The specialised team from airport work divisions – including assets, aviation, commercial and management – put their skills to the test on Friday, December 7 to spruce up the respite centre.

DRC coordinator Marianne Naughton said “thank you would never seem enough” for the crew which worked hard to support carers through the initiative.  

“We’re so grateful to have connected with the Townsville Airport and are in awe of the crew,” Ms Naughton said.

“We’ve been truly inspired by the whole initiative, especially the genuine interest and enthusiasm of everyone involved with the project. 

"It is humbling to be chosen. We are proud of our respite service in meeting the needs of our clients.

“These activities provide meaningful engagement based individual needs and interests,fostering social interaction and support. They also give carers confidence and peace of mind in knowing loved ones’ needs are being met in a caring environment.

“We know our clients will benefit from all of the activities and services provided by this absolutely extraordinary group.”

The success of the week of activities follows on from the crew’s program to help staff at Townsville Hospital’s Ronald McDonald House earlier this year.

A final working bee kicked off on Friday to build outdoor storage and shelving and assist with maintenance and gardening.

Townsville Airport General Manager Commercial Isabelle Yates said the crew worked to improve safety,with new locks and potential trip hazards addressed by high-visibility strips.

Ms Yates said the crew had planned out each element of the team-building exercise, with everyone looking forward to it.

“Our staff so enjoyed the engagement at Ronald McDonald House this year that we decided to do it again and selected Ozcare as our charity of choice this time,” Ms Yates said.

“It’s great for us to get out and put our skills to good use to help the carers, who do so much for those with disabilities in our community.”

The Ozcare Day Respite Centre in Townsville is a supportive, friendly environment for seniors, adults with a disability, and those in the community who feel isolated or lonely.