The Nicholas Timms Foundation, with the help of custom home builders, ‘Carter Grange’, and specialist contractors including A.G. Coombs & Walker Fire are well into building a retreat designed to help families of children with cancer.
The Foundation & Project Background
The Nicholas Timms Foundation was started by parents Belinda and Michael Timms in memory of their son, Nicholas Michael Timms. Nick was diagnosed at just one year of age with a tumour in his liver. Sadly, at 21 months of age on the 7th of December in 2008, he passed away.
Inspired by Challenge, who supported the Timms family during their time in hospital, and to honour their son Nick, Belinda and Michael started the Foundation with the clear vision to build a retreat/hobby farm for families going through what they have been through.
10 years on, they have since raised over 1.5 million for building the Healesville based retreat, with construction starting in May this year.
For more information about Team Nick (Nicholas Timms Foundation), visit www.teamnick.org.au
About the Retreat
The retreat is designed to be a place where the families of children with cancer can stay together. A place to offer positive experiences in spite of their difficult journey.
In May 2019, Carter Grange commenced building the Nicholas Timms Retreat which is designed to house two families at a time, with two offset dormitories and a common central area. There will also be a paddock out the back which will house some animals and a chicken pen
On completion, the Retreat will be donated to Challenge to ensure the families who need it most have full access to the facility.
How is the A.G. Coombs Group Involved?
In conjunction with a group of specialist suppliers and sub-contractors,
A.G. Coombs has committed to assisting with the construction of the Healesville retreat, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2019.
Air Conditioning design and installation by A.G. Coombs includes:
- Four Ducted Split Reverse Cycle Air-conditioning Systems (energy efficient to keep operating costs down)
- Ceiling Cassette Reverse Cycle Air-conditioning Unit (Theatre Room)
- Linear Slot and Bar Grille architectural finish air outlets
Fire and Smoke detection system design and installation by
Walker Fire Protection including:
- Interconnected smoke alarms to meet building code compliance requirements
- Supplementary smoke alarms in bedrooms and living areas for enhanced safety
- A residential control panel to simplify maintenance meaning batteries in smoke alarms will not need changing
- Interface to the security system to enable remote notification when smoke alarms activate – particularly when the house is not occupied.
Project Update – August 2019:
The initial installation of the air conditioning and fire protection systems is well underway.
Supporting partners of A.G. Coombs include; Butler Electric, Ocean Air Industries, Airfoil Grilles, Fantech, Temperzone, Ductmakers, and Reece.
A.G. Coombs takes this opportunity to thank our trade partners and suppliers for their support of and generosity towards the Nicholas Timms Healesville Retreat Project. Without this support, the project would not be possible.
About Challenge
Challenge provides support to children receiving treatment for cancer and other life threatening blood disorders, and their families.
Challenge provides a full range of recreational and support services, including camps, family activity days, hospital support, family support programs, special outings and education.
Challenge is the A.G. Coombs Group’s Foundation charity and the Group undertakes regular direct fundraising activities and provides other support for Challenge. Over many years our corporate support has included significant installations and upgrades to air conditioning systems and the provision of ongoing maintenance services to keep their Melbourne-based Family Centre operating.
More information, visit the Challenge website.