Funding boost for food relief

Rochester Community House manager Amanda Logie said the grant would support improvements to the program.

“It’s really to get our Foodshare space set up really well,” she said.

“Our food storage as such isn’t great, so we’ll be able to set that up really well with shelving and proper storage facilities.

“(Part) of that funding will be going to staffing costs to be able to manage the program more efficiently, and expand the program and really make it sustainable moving forward.”

The Foodshare program runs twice a week and is supported by volunteers, who will receive increased training through the grant funds.

It is important to Ms Logie that the program can run to the best of its ability.

“It’s so essential, but it’s also a real challenge,” she said.

“Whilst we’re so fortunate because we do have an amazing volunteer base, someone still has to manage those volunteers and do all the background (work).

“We’ve also ... put in some training and organisational governance in there to cover the costing for those kind of things, which will be really beneficial to both organisations.”

Looking ahead, Ms Logie anticipates that the program will go from strength to strength thanks to the additional funding and further training.

“I hope it will just be growing and growing and getting stronger and stronger,” she said.

“We’ll have volunteers who will be really well equipped to be deal with any issues.

“We’ve also put in some training with our mental health provider, Bern, to give them some training to deal with vulnerable people.

“A real holistic approach to the program. I think it will be really streamlined and strong.”

When announcing the funding, state Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes highlighted the work of organisations such as Rochester Community House and Girgarre Community Cottage.

“These grants will deliver much-needed food relief to those who need it, and provide a helping hand for Victorians in need so they can get back on their feet,” she said.

“We know our wonderful community organisations have the local knowledge and connections to best understand and respond to local needs, and to provide food relief where it’s needed most.”

As Rochester Community House manager, Ms Logie is optimistic that the funding will provide security for the organisation.

This also allows her to focus on managing their services and volunteers.

“For me, it’s not having to worry about how we’re going to be able to afford to continue to run the program,” she said.

“It’s sorted. It takes the pressure off, so you know that that is okay, you can continue to manage the rest of the organisation.”

Ms Logie has called on community members who may be interested in volunteering to reach out, with many opportunities to get involved.

She also credited the hard work of their existing team.

“Our volunteer base love it, but I’m also really mindful that they’ve been working really hard over the last couple of years, so they probably deserve a bit of a break,” she said.

“At the same time, it might have been the thing that’s kept them going.

“Volunteering is so good for people.”

To learn more about volunteering at Rochester Community House, send the team an email at rochy@communityhouse.org.au or pop into the house.

The Foodshare program is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 to noon at the Rochester Shire Hall. During January, it will just be open on Tuesdays.

There is also further support available during opening hours, including food vouchers.

In January, Rochester Community House will be open from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday, with a break from 1pm to 1.30pm for lunch.