What can MEAC do for you?

“We are here to provide a platform for all people, our whole community, from all walks of life,” Ms Phillips said.

“We try to provide as many services as we can to enhance and build on our community, and are constantly improving and enhancing what we do.”

Ms Phillips said she believed there was a lack of awareness about the different ways the neighbourhood house could help the community.

MEAC has also given away coats to the community, helped community members become computer literate, helped with food security, supported local arts and education, and worked collaboratively with other community groups.

Ms Phillips said anyone could come to MEAC to volunteer, participate or just make a connection.

“There’s something that can resonate with everybody. I can’t tell you what a fabulous place this is,” she said.

“We want people to be a part of this and not miss out on it.

“I can’t explain that in one sentence, you need to come here and experience it.”

She said MEAC was able to help in many different ways they might not expect, such as with the helping people access the Victorian government’s power saving bonus.

That bonus puts $250 back into the pockets of community members. MEAC is paid for each one it does, which it is then able to put straight back into the community.

“The payment doesn’t come out of the $250, so it really is a win-win, all you need to do is bring in your full power bill,” Ms Phillips said.

Graham Ferguson and Linda Wood both volunteer at MEAC.

“I just love it. I get to talk to people, who I love. I’m a people person, and I love people a lot,” Mr Ferguson said.

Ms Wood said she had been at MEAC for so long because of the people and the connections she had made while working as a volunteer.

“I don’t think enough people know about it, and how we could help them,” she said.

The Brotherhood of St Laurence working learning centre is one of many community groups that rent a space at MEAC.

Team leader Sophie Douglas said the organisation helped disadvantaged people with employment, including resume writing, cover letters, online applications and work preparation.

“Community houses like MEAC are so integral to the community,” she said.

“They’re a one-stop shop, as was proved during the recent floods.”

Ms Douglas said her group had a symbiotic relationship with MEAC, and worked collaboratively to help members of the community.

Future Focus Support Coordination is another organisation that rents a space at MEAC.

The Shepparton team works remotely but meets at MEAC once a week.

Executive director Tracey Ginnane said the company helped disability-affected people access support and guided them through the process after being granted funding through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Ms Ginnane said MEAC helped the team members connect to each other face to face, as well as to the local community.

“We work together with MEAC, it’s a really great environment and perfect place for us,” she said.

“Everybody gets along well here, and they can’t do enough to help people, everybody, the doors are always open for them at MEAC.”