There is a world of volunteering opportunities at Echuca Neighbourhood House. Pictured is manager Sarah Peake, president Trevor Crane and secretary-treasurer Cheryl Russell. Photos: Emily Donohoe
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Echuca-Moama is a thriving community that is only growing. One of the many reasons people love the region is the multitude of groups they can be a part of.
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To help you find the right group, check out our ‘Why not join ...’ series each week, where we focus on a community group.
In today’s edition, Emily Donohoe speaks to Echuca Neighbourhood House.
Providing support to those in the community who need it most, there is an array of volunteer opportunities at Echuca Neighbourhood House.
The history of ENH can be traced back to 1993, when a group of people came together to start a community organisation to deliver courses, classes and community lunches.
Expanding over time, the house began a garden in 2016, took on the management of the Echuca Back 9 Golf Course in 2017 and established a foodbank in 2020.
Many of their services are accessed by people who rely on the support of the house and its volunteers.
“We’re probably one of the most diverse, happy bunch of people that you’ll come across,” ENH manager Sarah Peake said.
“We all love being here and helping.
“Some of the people we see are at the lowest of their journey, but being able to spend time and support them and pointing them in the right direction and actually seeing those people make progress; that’s pretty cool.”
Rosa Ferraro and Kent Paton volunteer for the ENH foodbank.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
The organisation operates from two locations, their original High St space and their house on Landsborough St since 2022.
Areas to volunteer include reception, foodbank, the community garden, the golf course, kitchen, running programs and joining the committee.
“Reception is a very diverse role because every case that comes in is different,” Ms Peake said.
“I think even if you ask any of the volunteers here that volunteer in reception, they’ll say it’s a very rewarding role.”
Like the volunteering opportunities, each day in Ms Peake’s role is different from the next.
She feels that this is one of the elements that makes it so enjoyable for her.
“I think that’s what keeps me thriving in my job, is that not one day is the same,” Ms Peake said.
“I’ve been here nine years ... I enjoy it and I love all the different people that I’ve met over the years, especially the volunteers.
“You meet such a wide variety of people with different backgrounds.”
Carol Collings and Cheryl Russell volunteer at the Echuca Neighbourhood House reception and enjoy the diversity in the role.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Volunteering days and times are flexible, fitting the availabilities of the volunteers and where they are able to help.
In a reception role, the hours are 9.30am to 2.30pm during the week, whereas helping with supermarket deliveries or gardening can be an early morning job.
Ad-hoc opportunities, like driving a bus to social outings or assisting with ENH’s social media or newsletter, can be a few hours when there is a need.
“They all contribute what they’re comfortable to,” Ms Peake said.
“We make it work because we do need all the help that we can get.”
There is scope for the house to take on new programs, like their financial counselling assistance, created by a financial counsellor and volunteer who saw the demand for support.
Ms Peake would be supportive of more initiatives like this, including retired, part-time or semi-retired professionals looking to stay active and provide their services.
“If there’s something they think they could offer the community, please let us know,” she said.
“That financial counselling has actually proven to be a really great service.
“If people have skills in say writing a resume, form-filling ... we’re always looking for help.”
To be involved at Echuca Neighbourhood House, reach out to the organisation by calling 5482 6914, emailing info@enh.org.auor pop into the house and speak to the team.
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