shining stars
When the public had to lock down during the pandemic, the city’s Community Houses continued to serve those who needed their help. By Lisa Chesters, Federal Member for Bendigo - Photograph by AJ Taylor The coronavirus pandemic has affected and continues to affect many of us in Bendigo. The health impacts are far reaching but for many in our community, one of the most difficult aspects of the lockdowns we experienced was the breakdown of community connections and increased social isolation associated with the necessary public health measures introduced to reduce the spread of the virus. In a year when so many were faced with a withdrawal from community life and social isolation, Bendigo’s community houses stood up and provided a shining light in an otherwise dark time. Community or neighbourhood houses embody the sense of belonging and inclusion that make our community so vibrant and strong. We are lucky to have 10 community houses in the greater Bendigo area, from Marong to Woodend and Heathcote to Maldon. Not every community house is the same. But their difference is their strength, tailoring their services to the unique diversity and needs of the community. They bring people together to connect, learn and contribute to their local community through social, educational, recreational and support activities. Community houses are so important, not only
because they build social connectedness, but because they also create opportunities for people that help reduce inequality. I have been buoyed by some of the stories of goodwill and generosity to come from our community houses during the coronavirus pandemic. When so many felt disconnected and distant from others, our community houses kept people together. Tracey Clarke, coordinator of the Eaglehawk Community House, told me that when lockdowns were first brought in last year, closing their door was never an option. Over the nine months from March through December last year, Tracey and her team of over 80 volunteers provided more than 17,000 meals to seniors, workers forced into isolation, and other vulnerable citizens in their community. When you speak to volunteers, their enthusiasm for what they do is infectious. Mel, who worked the phones during the Eaglehawk Community House’s COVID operations, can now be found greeting visitors with a smile at reception. She works at the community house one day and volunteers three days a week. She loves the variety of people she meets, which has greatly increased since the easing of restrictions. 63
