Underprivileged Children's Trust - Chalet
The Underprivileged Children's Trust administers the Apex Underprivileged Children's Chalet (The Magic Castle) and the Shoalhaven Heads Apex Cottages for Kids (The S.H.A.C.K.). The day to day running of the two facilities is conducted by long standing sub-committees, which include a Director of the Apex Foundation. Both facilities were funded and built by Apexians.
The Chalet (The Magic Castle)
This facility is located at Smiggin Holes in the NSW Snowy Mountains, and celebrated its 20th birthday in October 1999. Throughout those years, over 16,000 handicapped and underprivileged children have enjoyed this facility. For many of the children, their time at the Chalet is a first and only holiday for them.
The Chalet has seven bedrooms each with four beds, a large lounge area and a well equipped catering kitchen. There are toilet and shower facilities on two floors with wheelchair access on the main (first) floor. On the ground floor there is a large rumpus/games room with table tennis, pool table and a stage. There is also a walk-in drying room. The Chalet is centrally heated and in the main lounge area there is a large fireplace with a gas log fire which is a feature. There are also books and games available.
For bookings, contact Warren Robinson, ph: 02 9710 0426
Download Chalet booklet (1.25MB)
Picture Top Right: Painting of the Chalet
Picture Middle Right: Happy Skiers
Picture Bottom Right: Camp Quality at the Chalet
History of the Chalet
The Chalet was built on land leased from the NSW State Government for a "peppercorn" rental. The concept of the Chalet was formulated in 1977, with the assistance of children from the Warringah Children's Refuge at Manly. These children, aged between 6 years and 16 years were under the care of Mr Berry Waterman, Superintendent of the Presbyterian Social Services Department.
In 1979, The International Year of the Child, the Chalet was built by volunteer Apexians, supervised by a paid builder. Generous Australian business people donated materials, and funds were raised by Apexians' fundraising activities in order to cover the annual costs of about $35,000-$50,000 to keep the doors open.
For further enquiries or to donate furnishings, equipment or monetary donations, please ring freecall 1800 0APEX0 or email to The Chalet