A bold plan to transform Macedon’s much-loved former maternal and child health centre into a community hub is fast gaining community support.
A group of dedicated Macedon residents who rallied to save the old Victoria Street house from council sale, have raised about $4000 since launching a fundraising campaign last week to renovate and revive the building.
One of those residents, Samara Hodson, said a crowdfunding campaign was just one of the fundraising initiatives being undertaken by the Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House committee of management. The campaign fundraising target is $30,000.
“The more funds we can raise at this time the more likely we are to getting our doors open this year,” Ms Hodson said.
Still in its infancy, a range of uses for the hub have been suggested by residents, including a community garden, central information service, short courses/workshops, community kitchen, meeting/rehearsal spaces and hosting events/festivals.
The old weatherboard survived Ash Wednesday and has sat unused since December 2016 when Macedon Ranges Council took a chance on a community plan to breathe new life into the building.
Council made a generous financial allocation to fund renovations in this year’s budget and the community house committee of management has made a commitment to raise a total of $43,000 towards the works.
Offers of support have been received from the local community. Responding to an approach by the group, The GREAT Association Inc. located in Gisborne, last week contributed a substantial amount towards the project through its community grants program.
“We wanted to support this project because of its historical and social importance, and this group has demonstrated its capability to bring this into fruition,” GREAT’s Moc Hoyne said.
The Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House’s crowdfunding campaign continues until March 30.
For details, or to donate, visit:
Website: www.mmmcommunityhouse.org
Crowdfunding page: www.startsomegood.com/macedon-community-house
Facebook page: Macedon and Mount Macedon Community House
Email: hello@mmmcommunityhouse.org
