Deloraine House manager Deb Smith says the community hub is facing one of its toughest periods in decades, with political delays, chronic underfunding and growing social pressures forcing a reduction in operating days for the first time in years.
The non-profit, which has served the town for almost 40 years, was due to receive its annual funding on 1 July. But with the state in caretaker mode following a snap election, the money has yet to arrive. “We’re still waiting for that money to come through which has meant that we’ve had to get there and find funds from other places to be able to pay wages,” Smith says. Funding is channelled through the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
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The funding uncertainty has coincided with growing demand and increasing complexity in the work. Smith said the service was still funded for two full-time positions, as it was four decades ago, but the needs of the community had changed dramatically. “Forty years ago it was about getting an extra loaf of bread or getting a baby weighed by the child health nurse. Now we’re dealing with high-end, high-needs clients, complex situations.”
The situation has been made more urgent by safety concerns. In recent weeks, a drug overdose occurred at the centre. Smith said the outcome could have been far worse. “Staff had to deal with that situation for an hour waiting for police and ambulance to get here,” she says. With no police based in town, and ambulance crews unable to attend drug incidents without police present, help had to come from as far away as Longford.
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To manage limited resources, staff identified Friday as the quietest day and closed it, while extending hours from 9am to 4pm on the remaining four days. Smith says the change would save about three hours a week, minimising disruption for the community.
Before the election, a network of 35 community houses lobbied for a boost from two to five full-time equivalent positions. The bid was unsuccessful.
Smith urged residents to raise the issue with local MPs. She said community houses had proven their worth in crises, such as during floods when Deloraine House was the first place authorities turned to for evacuation support. “But they don’t know about us for the every day,” she says.
The growth in demand has been stark. In 2019–20, the house recorded 320 contacts a week. By 2023–24, that number had surged to more than 1,500 a week, with no increase in funding or staffing. “Burnout is a real thing,” Smith says.
While volunteer numbers have dropped since COVID-19, the organisation is applying for deductible gift recipient and public benevolent institution status, allowing tax-deductible donations. Smith says even small amounts could have a big impact. “$20 buys four meals, $20 provides five showers and five loads of laundry for somebody. $12 for a year’s membership what we do with $12 or $22 for a family membership can be lots.”Donations and memberships can be arranged through the Deloraine House website or in person. Smith encouraged locals to visit, talk to staff and see the work being done. “You might actually find that’s something we can offer you,” she says.
