AFTER nearly 30 years located at the Tubbut Hall, the local Neighbourhood House has a big decision to make; will it remain in Tubbut and take on considerable expansion, or should a new base location be chosen?
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The Neighbourhood House was opened by Peter McGauran in 1996 as Tubbut Resource Centre. Since that time it has fulfilled several different roles, been manned by a number of groups and individuals, and attracted various levels of funding and support.
It must be said, however, that it is chiefly the locals of the area who have been prepared to put time towards keeping the Neighbourhood House alive over the years, and now they must consider where to head with it.
Currently Neighbourhood House is funded to be open 20 hours per week for 52 weeks, which has expanded to 23.5 hours to take into account its closure during school holidays. This enables it to open three days a week and to conduct activities on weekends and at other times.
Victorian Government funding covers the costs of employing two part time staff, ordinary administration costs and rental and maintenance of equipment. Insurance for public liability for all events is covered by a state government policy.
“We apply for grants for extra activities – sometimes we are successful, sometimes not. We dip into a reasonably healthy bank account to subsidise courses because we know that local people cannot pay the full cost,” co-ordinator, Deb Foskey explains.
“We are committed to providing opportunities for learning and training and we welcome requests for courses and workshops.
“Our computer support is ongoing. We have a range of equipment including computers, a state of-the-art printer, scanner and photocopier and other recording and copying equipment, a trailer and a woodsplitter. These are available to community members.
“We are fundraising for a new bus to serve the community with approved drivers.
“One of our major roles is communication and we produce the 24 page Tubbut Tattler approximately 10 times a year, and a Not the Tubbut Tattler flyer when required.
“We have a web page – Tubbutnh.com – and a Facebook page. No doubt there are still gaps and we invite suggestions to overcome them.”
Deb explains that in the current location the Neighbourhood House is well utilised by Tubbut residents, but that visitors from Bonang, Delegate River and Goongerah are less frequent.
“In the absence of other services, we believe we have the responsibility of serving people from these places,” Deb said.
“As numbers in the area have reduced, Bonang has become the geographical centre and we often hold classes and other events there so they are more accessible to more people, including people over the border.”
The Neighbourhood House community believes it could offer the same services, and far more, if able to expand, and so we come to the current situation.
“We serve communities from Goongerah to Deddick and Delegate River. We can conduct activities in all those places but we need a base location. Whether we stay in Tubbut or move elsewhere a great deal of work is needed,” Deb explains.
“In Tubbut, by arrangement with the Hall Committee, we would have to expand our space. In Bonang, a new building would be needed or substantial renovations made to, for example, the old SES shed.
“We have been offered a house at West Bonang which will become available in a few months. That may be an interim space and will allow us to work towards a permanent home.”
Deb says it is time to present the options to communities of the area so they can help make the best decision.
“A neighbourhood house belongs to its community – and we need you to be involved. We could help this community grow and develop. We can do many things but only with your support,” she said.
All are invited to a meeting at Bonang Hall on Monday, June 22. DVICG committee meeting at 4.30pm; Caroline Liston, EGNNH’s networker, will explain NHs in general at 5.30pm. Dinner will be provided and enjoyed at 6.30pm, and at 7.30pm the group will discuss options for around an hour. Please bring a slice or other sweet to share.
