Doors remain closed at neighbourhood house

FRUSTRATION is mounting in Ocean Grove, as community services at the local neighbourhood house remain on pause for the foreseeable future.

The Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House, formerly Bellarine Training and Community Hub, has been closed to the public since the venue’s committee of management entered voluntary administration three weeks ago.

Earlier this month, the City of Greater Geelong said it would step in to oversee operations, with services expected to mostly continue as normal from the outset.

But all programs have ceased, and the public does not have access to the building.

An Ocean Grove resident who attends the Fit Forever class for over-55s, and asked not to be named, said they were still waiting for clarity about the program’s future.

“I haven’t received anything via email or text.

“When I drove by yesterday, they still had the ‘Hub Closed’ sign up… it’s been three weeks since it closed and the City of Greater Geelong stepping in hasn’t eventuated so far.

“I don’t know what’s happening… we were supposed to be kept updated but I haven’t heard a thing.

“The thing is people are now looking for alternative exercise arrangements. It being is closed is very detrimental for all of us.”

The City of Greater Geelong stated services were initially expected to continue largely as normal, as was communicated with the community.

However, as the appointed administrator is still finalising the insolvency procedure and handover steps, staff do not yet have operational access to the building.

“While the administrator’s work is being completed, there is a pause on programming, which we have communicated to the Ocean Grove community and users of the neighbourhood house via our social media,” City of Greater Geelong executive director of city life Anthony Basford said.

“As soon as we have access to the building, our priority is to resume activities safely and with minimal disruption, and we will communicate a clear timeline for classes and programs to recommence.”