Huntly on the hunt for a hub

A GROUP based in Huntly is hoping to get a community house or hub set up in the suburb.

Nicole Smith, who is one of the group members, said she has seen a need for a community area and that the facility would be about bringing the people of Huntly together.

“It’s really the social interaction I think people are missing these days,” she said. “People are feeling very isolated after COVID.

“It’s also a means of getting people into the district, getting them to know what’s here, what’s around, who’s around, what’s going on, all those things.”

The group are looking at other community hubs in the Greater Bendigo area to see what can eventually be done should they achieve their own space.

“We’ve been to a number of other community houses,” she said. “They do everything from helping with Foodshare to putting together makeshift libraries or helping the elderly with technology.

“Other hubs and groups have food and essentials there for the community, some even have a kitchen. A garden is also possible, and the residents can get involved and assist with that.”

The Huntly group is currently using temporary spaces to gather before hopefully securing a permanent home, but Ms Smith said it may take some time and there’s a need to work with others.

“Finding a permanent residence is a long-term project and we’ve got to be mindful at the moment not to tread on anyone’s toes within the community,” she said.

“Because there are obviously some people that are a bit protective of some of the possible facilities, so we just have to be cautious.

“We hope to find something temporary until the council can come on board because they’ve identified that eventually there may be room for a library and then potentially a community hub.

“I don’t know how long that’s going to take, could be five years, could be 10 years.”