Anyone doing it tough in Moorabool is welcome at The Neighbours Place in Bacchus Marsh. Co-ordinator Jackie Tabone spoke to Esther Lauaki about what she loves about reaching out to the community.
What’s your connection to Moorabool?
My connection to the shire is working for The Neighbours Place in Bacchus Marsh.
Tell me a bit about your work at The Neighbour’s Place?
The Neighbours Place is an emergency foodbank. It’s a Christian not-for-profit organisation with the aim of serving the people of the Moorabool Shire who are disadvantaged, at risk or unable to temporarily feed themselves or their families. We also provide no-interest loans and provide tax help from July to October.
Why did you become involved with the service?
I’ve been the co-ordinator at The Neighbours Place for almost three and a half years. It’s a very fulfilling feeling to be able to help the community. When people come in and you are able to give them food it’s a very good feeling. The Neighbours Place is currently looking for volunteers so we would be happy to hear from anyone wishing to do a bit of volunteering.
What are some of the biggest challenges for service providers such as The Neighbour’s Place?
Challenges we face are numerous. As we are not government funded I am constantly applying for funding. With the growing population of Moorabool Shire the demand for our services only increases. Our aim and dream is to be able to provide sufficient food for families and individuals in need who seek our assistance.
What’s the best part of your role?
The best part of being a member of The Neighbours Place is that we are able to help an individual or a family with food and bring a smile to their faces.
What do you love about the Bacchus Marsh community?
The community and local businesses and churches are very generous with their help. It’s the community helping the community with TNP as the facilitator. A big thanks to the community and all the local business, schools and churches who help us.
Contact 5367 6222 or drop in at 77 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh to make a donation to the foodbank. The Neighbours Place is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am-3pm and 9.30am-12.30pm on school holidays.
