IT DOESN’T seem much to ask but Wonthaggi pensioner Julie Dunn is almost at breaking point waiting for a local tradesman to install blinds for her rear deck.
“I’ve waited five years for a new front gate and it’s still not there,” said Julie.
“Now I’ve been waiting five months for deck blinds to be fitted.”
Julie Dunn just wants the job finished.
Holding back tears Julie apologised for being emotional.
“When I first moved to Wonthaggi five years ago I needed a front gate.”
“I employed a local handyman and paid him a $1,000 deposit,” said Julie.
After several months without a front gate Julie asked for her money back.
“I received $600 but the tradesman still owes me $400.”
Five years later still no front gate.
Other tradesmen have done considerable work around the property.
“I tried to pull down things myself at first, but it was too much.”
An electrician Julie used was a stand-out.
“I was very satisfied,” she said.
Coming from a farming background Julie says she offers tradesmen lunch and morning tea and gives them seasonal vegetables from her garden.
“I always pay in cash and on the dot,” said Julie.
An aged pensioner Julie volunteers for the edible garden scheme.
Julie also grows orchids and donates to the Rose Lodge Opportunity Shop.
When Julie moved into her coalminer’s cottage in Wonthaggi the fences were down and the house was unloved.
“There was no garden, just yuccas.”
Taking obvious pride in her garden Julie says she has always been a gardener at heart.
“I came here because of the amenities and the shopping,” said Julie.
“It’s also close to the beach.”
A major project for Julie has been a rear deck overlooking her small garden.
“I purchased blinds to protect the deck from the rain.”
Julie paid up front and the blinds arrived.
Five months later the blinds have still not been installed.
“I paid a tradesman $700,” said Julie.
“It’s very, very emotional.”
“All I want is for the blinds to be installed on the veranda deck.”
Julie’s advice for others is not to be gullible.
“Don’t give up.”
Describing herself as not normally an emotional person Julie broke down.
“I can’t let it go, it’s not fair.”
Julie is still waiting for her blinds to be installed and a new front gate.