New Kitchen
Thuruna Uniting Church Campsite underwent exciting new renovations during July & August 2008. This is the second stage of a redevelopment plan in preparation for Thuruna’s 50th anniversary in 2012.
Fifteen local committee members volunteer their services to oversee all aspects of management; Chairperson - Robin Dixon-Thompson, Vice-chair – Graham Pugsley, Secretary – Janet Shepherd, Booking Agent / Treasurer – Jeanette Pugsley, Caretaker – Robert & Sue Lawrie, Committee – George Tyler, Trevor & Di Eagle, Graham Ingram, Kevin Tyler, Peter Prime, Kym Shepherd, Kevin Sheldon, Michael Evans and Adam Richardson.
A commercial standard kitchen was installed over a 4 week period. The facility was demolished and the area extended to include a 3-door commercial refridgerator, freezer, portable storage shelves, crockery cupboard, serveries and large sinks including crockery washdown sink. A new ceiling, internal wall, floor coverings, extensive electrical and plumbing work and storage drawers complete the kitchen upgrade.
The new kitchenette provides continuous hot drinking water for campers to indulge in tea and coffee, with its own sink and storage drawers for mugs and glasses.
Adjoining the kitchen outside, the unused rainwater tank and stand has been removed, the ground raised and pavers laid as part of an outdoor entertaining area project.
Funding has been received from UC Gift Funding of $25,000, a UCA loan, $6,600 from Community Benefits SA towards refridgeration, $3,000 EPW Memorial Fund & $1,770 from ANZ Seeds for Renewal program towards pantry storage. Thuruna’s savings from camp hire fees also helped fund the project. Support from local Tumby Bay businesses, Rawles Country Bake and IGA, have also been appreciated.
Five volunteers from Mobile Mission Maintenance, 15 management committee members and 36 interested people from the church and local community worked at various times under the supervision of building contractor, Ric Mansell. Over 700 volunteer labour hours have been given to the kitchen upgrade.
Situated within metres of the beach, Thuruna offers long white sandy beach walks, also opportunity to scramble over rocky outcrops, watch for dolphins, go fishing or boating. A place to unwind and spend quality time with family and friends.
Schools have used the facility for leadership camps, class camps, drama camps, and for teaching independent living skills particularly cooking, also as a base to visit Koppio museum, Tumby Bay and Port Lincoln attractions.