Grassroots charity finds a home in Drysdale

A NEW community hub on the Bellarine is already drawing strong support, with residents embracing its focus on connection, dignity and practical help.

The Local North Bellarine, based in Drysdale and servicing Leopold through to St Leonards, is the latest chapter in a grassroots model first launched seven years ago.

Founder, Rebecca Olver-Hurley, who grew up on the Bellarine and has a long history in social services, said the vision was to empower people to support one another.

“We’re there to serve the community and help the community, and a big part of the vision is empowering local people to help each other,” she said.

The Local 2 Community began as a registered charity in Frankston North, where it runs a busy second-hand store and foodbank helping more than 1,000 people a month, alongside a cafe-style hub, community garden and informal support space.

After returning to the Bellarine, Olver-Hurley trialled a pop-up charity in St Leonards before finding a permanent home in December in Murradoc Road.

In just a few months, volunteers raised $27,000 to transform an empty factory into the organisation’s new home.

The ‘seconds store’ op shop helps cover rent and provides quality second-hand goods at low prices, while a wellbeing room hosts meetings, small groups and training.

“The vibe is really cool,” Olver-Hurley said. “A lot of people have said the feeling in here is amazing.”

A foodbank offers free fruit, vegetables and bread to anyone, as well as appointment-based pantry support where people ‘shop’ with a points card after confidential chats with trained volunteers.

“This is a space where people can come and be treated really well, with dignity,” Olver-Hurley said.

“I think what we’ve brought to the Bellarine is quite unique and different and the locals are starting to embrace us, which is absolutely fabulous.”