Paul Bibby
Vital local services supporting those most affected by COVID-19 have received a major boost thanks to a $30,000 donation to the Byron Community Centre (BCC).
In a move which will also generate desperately needed local jobs, national professional services firm Allygroup has pledged to provide the funds in three instalments over the next three months.
The General Manager of the BCC, Louise O’Connell, said the money would be used to fund the home deliver scores of food boxes to vulnerable locals, to hire a part-time social worker, and to expand the centre’s phone counseling service.
‘What we’re seeing is that the most vulnerable in the community are really coping it at the moment,’ Ms O’Connell said.
‘The people who regularly come to use our services are really stressed, and so supporting their mental health is definitely a priority.
‘Fortunately we’re able to ramp up our services pretty quickly, and that’s exactly what we’re doing – getting the help to people who need it quickly and effectively.’
With the first injection of funds already received, the BCC says the services are now up and running.
Locals who are physically or financially unable to shop can call the Byron Emergency Pantry to request a food box delivery by calling 6685 6807 between 10am and 2pm Monday to Thursday.
Residents can also arrange a free phone counseling appointment by calling 0414 322 064 between 10am and 2pm each week day.
There is also a free counselling service for women needing extra support, which can be accessed by leaving a message for the community support worker on 6685 6807.
The driving force behind the donation from Allygroup is the firm’s Chairman, Bruce Clarke, a Byron local and member of the BCC board.
‘I’ve seen, and there are members of my own family, who’ve been hit hard by this virus and are doing it tough,’ Mr Clarke said.
‘The BCC had a committee meeting last Thursday and I listened the impact on services described by Louise O’Connell and [Chairwoman] Helen Hamilton, I thought at that stage about what we could do.’
A key focus for Allygroup in making the donation was also to generate employment opportunities for locals.
The donation will result directly in the employment of two casual chefs, and a delivery driver for the emergency pantry service, and a part-time social worker.
It is anticipated that further jobs will also be generated in the coming weeks and months.
‘A big part of what we do at Allygroup is finding work for people,’ Mr Clarke said.
‘We understand the importance of that, and it’s particularly vital in the context of what’s happening right now.’
Mr Clarke also hopes that the donation might encourage other locals to reflect on how they might help.
‘I think it’s really a time for people to reflect upon how they’re personally going and what they might be able to do,’ he said.
‘I trust that people will do the right thing.’
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