On Saturday 29 June, many gathered on Groper Creek’s waterfront to celebrate the official opening of the “Our Front Yard” Shelter, a significant moment that completed the dream of Danny Garvey who sadly passed away in 2023 before his plans for the shelter came to fruition.
Over 100 locals, and travellers were in attendance at the event, including Mayor Pierina dale Cort, the region’s Bendigo Bank representative, David Catinzaro and representatives from the Home Hill Boat Club and Groper Creek Rural Fire Brigade.
Jeanette Garvey led the official opening, and was accompanied by her family and friends, some of whom travelled far to be present for the significant event to honour Jeanette’s late husband, Danny Garvey.
“Those who knew Danny, knew he always had a project on the go, and he was always proud of his “front yard”, mowing it to perfection, telling people to keep off the grass, and be respectful of our surroundings,” explained Jeanette.
Jeanette and Danny lived in Groper Creek for almost fifteen years, and immersed themselves in the community, quickly becoming active members of the Home Hill Boat Club and Groper Creek Rural Fire Brigade. 2016 saw Danny undertake the role of First Officer, and he was in turn, heavily involved in numerous clean-up efforts following the floods.
The pair were then appointed Park Managers in 2019, and despite the unprecedented times of COVID-19, Danny took advantage of his spare time, making valuable improvements to the area.
“Danny was busier than most during Covid times, setting about making improvements here with new fish fileting areas, unit upgrades, concrete pathways, and more,” recalled Jeanette.
“One of Danny’s last projects was to commence planning for this project – a new 10 x 6 metre shade shelter to replace an old Koppers log structure in the public car park area to provide a space for people to gather, picnic, fish or simply reflect by the water.”
In January of 2023, Danny sadly and suddenly passed away, leaving both his family, and members of the Home Hill Boat Club & Groper Creek Rural Fire Brigade devastated but determined to complete the “dream project” in his honour.
The Groper Creek Rural Fire Brigade raised substantial funds through Container for Change collections, and Jeanette reminisces on the lengths both herself, and her co-manager Wendy Coplick went to, recalling many dumpster diving instances to make every can count!
“We also thankfully had many visitors and locals who gladly drank more to contribute to the cause and attended our State of Origin and raffle nights,” said Jeanette.
The Home Hill Rotary club generously donated $1000 to the project, which kickstarted initial groundworks, and construction officially began in 2023 following a $10,000 donation from Bendigo Bank. With works underway, April saw the completion of Stage 1, and Jeanette received an amazing message, igniting the plans to begin Stage 2.
“Whilst the tradies were still onsite, we received notification that under this year’s funding round, Bendigo Bank was providing the additional $11,000 we needed to complete the project,” explained Jeanette.
“To receive this final funding amount and see this project completed was just amazing, I don’t know of any other bank which gives back to its community as generously as our Bendigo Bank.
“Danny’s original dream shelter has become a reality; it’s an everlasting legacy in his honour and it’s now here for generations to enjoy in “Our Front Yard” at Groper Creek.”
The Garvey Family - Dallan, Cas, Jeanette, Kurtis & Siahn Garvey toast the opening of "Our Front Yard Shelter" at Groper Creek.
Danny and Jeannette
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