Steve Waugh launches second charity home in Australia

Steve Waugh: a former cricketer who loves giving back to society

Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh’s charity is again teaming up with AVJennings to launch The Renee II at AVJennings’ award-winning Lyndarum development in Wollert, Victoria today.

This is the second property for the partnership, and the first home in Victoria.

The design of The Renee II incorporates Universal Design Principals – platinum level, with features such as a step-free ground floor, entry and shower, wider doorways, flexible kitchen layout and larger bathroom, amongst others.

Upon completion, The Renee II will be auctioned early 2014 and the profits from the sale will be directed to the Steve Waugh Foundation to further the Foundation’s work in assisting the service, identification, treatment and research of rare diseases in children and youths.

AVJennings has named the house after Foundation Ambassador Renee Eliades. Renee is a long term Foundation recipient and lives with a rare disease called Geleophysic Dysplasia which affects the development of bones in the body and those with it are thus generally small in stature. At the age of 21, Renee is often mistaken for a three year-old. Due to the condition, Renee requires oxygen 24 hours a day, which is where the Steve Waugh Foundation steps in by providing portable oxygen tanks.

“The Steve Waugh Foundation supports children and families affected by rare diseases. Renee is an Ambassador for the Foundation and grant recipient herself. She will also be the Ambassador for the property. If you are looking for inspiration from bravery and determination and how best to make the most of every day, every single opportunity, Renee is the guiding light,” Waugh said.

Last year, the first AVJennings/Steve Waugh Foundation partnership house – “The Renee” – was designed and constructed at the AVJennings community Charterwood, in the suburb of Wadalba on the NSW Central Coast. The house was sold at auction in February, with the purchasers thrilled to be the new owners of a very unique home.

Renee is keenly anticipating the launch of the second home, and again plans on being present for the landmark occasions in the lead up to its sale.

“I’m so excited to about the launch of The Renee II, and to watch and be a part of its construction,” she said today.

AVJennings CEO Peter Summers said the AVJennings staff, suppliers and local communities have embraced this partnership over the last few years to make a difference.

“As a company whose foundations are in the creation of communities, we feel it is important to have a strong sense of community within the company, within our people and how we relate to our market and customers. To that end, we have proudly partnered with the Steve Waugh Foundation,” Summers said at the launch.

“We are delighted with how many staff, suppliers and friends have raised their hands again to help out in the creation of The Renee II.”