WARRENHEIP Street is now home to a new public asset following the re-opening of Buninyong Community House.<\/p>\n
The House has been established by the Community Bank Buninyong as a meeting space approved not-for-profit organisations and groups can use free of charge.<\/p>\n
With a conference room and smaller meeting space, the house has a SMART Board, kitchen, company office space, landscaped courtyard with barbecue, and wi-fi access.<\/p>\n
Community Bank Buninyong communications lead Sam Elshaug said commercial enterprises and the public sector can also apply to use the building for a fee.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re providing a facility for local groups working actively in the community to meet, connect, collaborate, and really make an impact,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Community Bank Buninyong chair Ian Corcoran said the building has a professional presentation, while maintaining a \u201cwarm, friendly and inviting cottage feel.\u201d<\/p>\n
The idea to develop the house sparked from the Bank\u2019s \u201cresponsibility to community.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe company\u2019s purpose is all about helping build a thriving, resilient and inclusive community, so when this property became available, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to purchase it and turn it into a community facility.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the house provides a space where community groups can come, meet, do their business and prosper, then we\u2019re achieving our purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n
Director Ron Delaland said $750,000 has been spent on establishing the house, restoring, renovating and extending the heritage building, and completing landscaping works at its front and rear.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we bought it, it was an original 1900s solid brick place but the old foundations on sand had shifted, and the walls had cracked with big gaps. It was condemned,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe pulled it down, but maintained the heritage front, with every brick from the facade dropped down, numbered, and laid back where they were originally.\u201d<\/p>\n
The house may have been officially launched in 2021, but Mr Corcoran said it began to serve its purpose in 2015.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we had the Scotsburn bushfires, the house was used as a bushfire relief centre for four months, with City of Ballarat and the Moorabool Shire in here, and other services.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the residents were able to come down, meet here, and it was like a one-stop-shop,\u201d Mr Corcoran said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt became a central part of the community and validated our decision to invest in the facility. It really has become a much-needed, wanted, loved and well-utilised part of Buninyong.\u201d<\/p>\n