On Thursday, November 6, volunteers at the Girgarre Community Cottage hosted the Rochester volunteers as they undertook an important discussion about volunteer mental health over morning tea.
This collaboration builds on the centres' ongoing partnership, funded through a successful grant they secured together for community food relief.
The grant tackles growing food insecurity in communities, supporting local initiatives that help Victorian families access essential meals during tough times.
Rochester Community House manager Amanda Logie said as part of the funding they would jointly run volunteer training.
She emphasised the workshop's importance, noting that dedicated volunteers often pour everything into helping others while neglecting their own wellbeing.
“(The program) is about their roles, rights and responsibilities ‒ as well as getting them to look after themselves as they look after others in their communities,” she said.
Girgarre Community Cottage manager Sally Canny echoed her sentiments.
“It’s great to get both of the community houses together. We went (to Rochester) last time, so this time they’ve come to us,” she said.
The gathering was also an opportunity for the group to promote the Keep Our Doors Open campaign.
The campaign urgently calls on the Victorian Government to increase annual funding by $11.7 million to prevent the potential closure of 200 Neighbourhood Houses.
Ahead of the state election next year, Neighbourhood Houses, like Girgarre and Rochester, are asking community members to write on postcards about the importance of having a community house in their town, which will be sent to local politicians.
To join the campaign, head into your local community house, or visit www.nhvic.org.au/2026-campaign
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