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Rotary lookout renovated

Posted on December 4, 2009, 9:09am

Six Mount Gambier youths have been among a team of people who overhauled the picturesque Rotary Lookout at the Blue Lake, providing a view encompassing the renowned water feature and surrounding farmland.

Rotary Club of Mount Gambier president Peter McBain and Mount Gambier Mayor Steve Perryman opened the redeveloped lookout on Wednesday afternoon.

Independent Learning Centre students, who have voluntarily re-engaged in education to complete their SACE, were involved in a Target Work initiative to revamp the site, beginning in July and working one to two days per week with site supervisor Ben Merchant, who has a background in the trades sector.

Students involved included Jack Nicholls, Harley O’Neill, Steven Ruth, Peter Teleporos, Fabiann Doecke and Andrew Beimans.

“Each week when I have visited I have been amazed by the transformation,” FOCiS on Youth project officer Melissa Cox said.

The Rotary club identified the need for work at the site and Allendale East Area School students also visited the lookout this week to complete landscaping in preparation for the opening.

“I have been involved with Rotary for seven years and this lookout was established long before that and starting to show its age — work was needed,” Mr McBain said.

“It is one of the best lookouts we’ve got, especially with the colour of the water at the moment and the fantastic 360 degree view.”

He said Rotary had contributed working bees to improve the site, but they were insignificant compared to what the young people had achieved under Mr Merchant’s leadership.

“The city is indebted for what you have done to improve this scenic attraction, which is marvelled at by visitors locally and around the world,” he said.

“You can hold your heads high with the quality of this lookout.”

Mount Gambier Mayor Steve Perryman said removal of a wall at the site had opened an impressive view onto the countryside, extending to Mount Schank from the picturesque lake.

Target Work state manager Brian Nadilo said 500 students were involved in the program across the state, which undertook 25 projects this year that were varied, but all left students better prepared for work.

The Department of Education and Children’s Services Target Work program is usually offered to Year 9 and 10 students in schools so they can gain hands-on practical experience and a better understanding of the world of work.

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