One of Newcastle's community organisations, Firstchance, received some much needed renovations when a group of volunteers from The GPT Group (GPT) rolled up their sleeves to lend a hand.

Staff volunteered their time to this project as part of GPT's annual Community Day, a company-wide initiative where over 280 staff provide valuable assistance to projects located in the communities where GPT operates. This year, over 12 different community group projects are being undertaken across Australia.

Cameron Tynan, Charlestown Square Retail Manager said it was important for companies throughout the region to support the local community.

“The GPT Group is passionate about supporting the local communities in which we operate,” Cameron said.

“Volunteering is an opportunity to contribute to building a healthier, more vibrant and prosperous society and the Charlestown Square volunteers were happy to take the time to support Firstchance and improve the facility for the benefit of the children.”

Firstchance is a not for profit organisation which operates both Early Childhood Intervention and School Aged Programs to families in Newcaste, Lake Maquarie and Port Stephens. Firstchance runs its programs with a combination of government grants, parent fees and money raised through fundraising activities.

On Friday, 13 September 2013 the volunteers worked side by side with Firstchance to provide the Special Education Centre with a much-needed makeover.

It included painting and decorating the learning rooms, redesigning the outdoor playground areas, landscaping works including interactive vegetable and sensory gardens, building a new cubby house and a miniature car racetrack for the children.

“Volunteering is an important part of embedding social sustainability at GPT and brings employees closer to customers, helping to better understand their aspirations and needs and creating shared value,” Cameron said.

GPT is a property group with broad access to capital invested in quality assets which, through proactive management, creates great customer experiences and superior returns. The Group’s model is focused on active ownership of high quality Australian real estate in the retail, office and logistics and business park sectors. In the Hunter region, GPT manages Charlestown Square.