That’s because the peeling white paint on Mavis Wheeler’s house was replaced this week thanks to Berger’s Paint for Mate project, which aims to rejuvenate the homes of Legacy widows around Australia. 

Over two days a team of volunteers assembled by John Watkin of Bega’s Inspirations Paint prepared and painted the outside of Ms Wheeler’s home. 

After colour advice from Inspirations and consulting with Bega Valley Shire Council due to the home’s heritage status, Ms Wheeler chose a muted shade by Berger called Lilac Moments.

When work started at 7.30am on Tuesday, Ms Wheeler said she was surprised by the number of people buzzing around with paint cans and brushes. 

“It’s incredible, there are so many people helping and it’s been done so quickly.

“I have to say it’s been nice because it reminded me of when all my children were at home and the place was always filled with their friends and noise.”

The project came about after Ms Wheeler phoned Peter Florance from Legacy to ask his advice on painting quotes she had received (BDN 24/1). 

Mr Florance knew about the Berger Paint for a Mate initiative and with the help of Mr Watkin got the ball rolling. 

Mr Florance, along with Bruce Crane from Legacy, was on hand throughout this week’s painting blitz to provide morning and afternoon tea, as well as lunch, for all the hungry volunteers. 

The project brought out the Valley’s best professional house painters who were happy to donate their time to the project.

“Everyone I asked either gave their own labour, got some workers from their business to come over, or if they were already busy on those days they donated equipment,” Mr Watkin said. 

“It’s good to get this sort of community spirit going.”

Also picking up paint brushes were representatives from Berger and Inspirations head offices, as well as Mr Watkin’s daughters Amanda and Melissa and their friend Saara Endrulis. 

Mr Watkin and Mr Florance thanked Chris Smith, Ramah and Alex from David Carpenter’s Sapphire Painting, Mitchell Bucholtz, Rick Moran, Adam and Ray from Chris O’Sullivan’s Delso Painting and Martin Bros Painting and Decorating. 

After starting bright and early Tuesday morning, by Wednesday afternoon paint brushes were being washed and freshly painted awnings reattached. 

The crew had even painted Ms Wheeler’s garage. 

“That was a surprise and wasn’t something I asked for, but it was in an awful state so I’m very grateful they did it,” she said.

“It’s been a very fun experience and I can’t thank John or Peter enough.”