By Rowan Forster
Cardinia Shire has saved 4Cs from the brink of collapse, announcing a cash injection for the struggling non-for-profit in the eleventh hour.
The Crisis Relief Centre, which distributes Christmas hampers to the region’s most vulnerable families and individuals, has recently plunged into a funding drought.
Last week, the Gazette revealed that the centre was threatening to permanently close.
Manager Cheryl Daly revealed that the key Pakenham emergency relief hub was temporarily shutting down in November due to a lack of resources.
However, council has now committed to provide three monthly instalments of $15,000 in emergency funding to steer 4Cs back on track.
It will also work alongside the group to develop a business plan, ensuring the centre’s long term survival.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Graeme Moore said the council has offered a range of support options to the centre over recent days and weeks.
“As soon as we became aware of the current situation, we moved quickly to not only offer additional funding support, but to look at how we can assist them to remain operational in to the new year,” he said.
“The 4Cs is not a council-run or managed emergency crisis centre, however, we have been a constant source of support for almost a decade, providing more than $500,000 in funding to cover rent.
“There is no doubt the services delivered by the centre are invaluable to our community’s most vulnerable members and families in need, but the centre requires the support of all levels of government to remain viable in the longer-term, as well as the development of a sustainable and financially-viable operating model.”
It has also been revealed that Cr Moore and Cardinia Shire CEO Jeffs are visiting Canberra this week to secure a meeting with Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher, to discuss the plight of 4Cs.
“The ongoing sustainability of the centre will be dependent on securing significant, long-term financial support from a range of funding sources,” Cr Moore added.
“We need the state and federal governments to commit to supporting 4Cs to ensure it can remain operational into the future.”
The 4Cs has launched a GoFundMe Me to raise donations.
It has so far received about $1300 in 18 days.
The centre has seen a 15 per cent increase in demand, yet income has dropped by 19 per cent.
Last year, 4Cs distributed 330,000 kilograms of food and helped over 12,500 families.
Xanthie Huntly, who has used the service in the past, said it is vital that 4Cs continues.
“They give people hope,” she said.
“This should be the number one priority for the government in Pakenham.”
Manager Cheryl Daly has been contacted for comment.
