Mitchell House help ease those extra costs

THE Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House have their doors open to the community in the effort to help ease the cost-of-living living strain that is charging through homes causing significant financial pressure. 

For everyday residents, the rise in living expenses isn’t going down and wages aren’t increasing – causing bills to pile up and sacrifices to be made when it comes to groceries and amenities. 

At the Neighbourhood Centre in Wonthaggi, volunteers are dedicating their time to help ease the stress, providing a food relief system at the front entrance, where donations can be made, and everyday essentials are available for pick-up to help those in need. 
Centre Manager Leslie Adams said, “we are all living in troubling times, and we welcome the community to our Wednesday cook up where a hot meal is provided by volunteer chefs.” 

They have 20 seats available each week and leftovers are frozen for pick up from the community pantry. 

“We also focus on minimising social isolation, so anyone attending can build community connections; and feel comfortable to come along to future events that are run by our locals,” said Leslie. 

The Mitchell House committee look after several programs that help the community come together, including the craft workshop held every Friday from 10am until 12pm – the ladies learn how to knit or crochet, and then donate their pieces to Need for Feed, flood victims, and the homeless. 

Thelma Kyval invites the community to come along and enjoy a morning chat, develop some new craft skills, and help those in need. “We create blankets and jumpers, beanies and scarves – as well as baby clothes, anything that may be in high demand that can help all stay warm over winter.”

“After our workshop, we then gather for a weekly luncheon - we’re a lovely bunch and anyone is invited to join,” said Thelma.

Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre is supported by Rotary Club of Inverloch who generously donate gift bags for those in need – consisting of everyday toiletry basics, and the volunteer committee also have ‘share the dignity’ bags available that are complete with women’s hygiene essentials. 

“We have fresh produce provided by The Cape community garden, as well as seasonal vegetables from The Harvest Centre here in Wonthaggi – everything is donated to help the community get by,” said Leslie. 

The committee are focused on providing care all year round, but especially during this cost-of-living crisis. 

They are well supported by Foodbank Victoria who help feed the community by delivery bread and milk, and non-perishable foods to support those in need. 
So, to help you ease the financial pressure during this crisis, visit the volunteers at Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House on 6 Murray Street, Wonthaggi or donate today.