Sweet treats to protect mudbrick heart of Heathcote

A much-loved mudbrick building in Heathcote is showing its age and needs help to give it a new life.

Heathcote Community House (HCH) has served and supported the area for decades and staff and volunteers are raising funds for vital repairs.

Executive officer Vicki Forde said although many people know the building, they do not know the story behind it and why it needs support.

“For many years, our mudbrick building has been much more than just a place to hold activities,” said Forde.

“It has been a welcoming home where friendships are formed, people find support, skills are shared, volunteers give their time, and our community comes together.

“It has cared for thousands of people over the years, and now it needs our help.”

Forde said mudbrick buildings are often described as living buildings because they naturally absorb and release moisture to maintain their strength and integrity.

“Unlike conventional buildings, mudbrick walls need to breathe,” she said.

“They require specialist care, appropriate repair techniques and breathable materials to remain healthy, structurally sound and protected from the elements.

“Unfortunately, over time our building has experienced significant water damage, particularly following the prolonged wet weather and flooding events of recent years.

“Combined with a lack of specialist mudbrick knowledge and, at times, the use of unsuitable maintenance methods, some areas of the building have deteriorated and now require urgent attention.”

Forde said the building is particularly susceptible to taking on water during periods of prolonged or heavy rain, especially along one side and at the rear.

“Water ingress in these areas presents an ongoing challenge and, if left untreated, can compromise the health of the mudbrick walls and surrounding structure,” she said.

“Our workshop has also been affected by water intrusion, adding to the list of repairs that are essential to protect the building and the valuable community activities that take place within it.

“Of particular concern are several of the beautiful, exposed timber beams that are both an important structural feature and part of our building’s unique character.

“These beams have been affected by weather exposure and now require specialist restoration, filling and sealing to prevent further deterioration.

“Sections of the mudbrick walls and external finishes also require expert repairs and ongoing protection to ensure the building remains safe and secure for many years.”

As a not-for-profit organisation, HCH directs its funding toward programs, activities and support services that strengthen community wellbeing.

“Unfortunately, major building restoration projects exceed our day-to-day operating budget, making fundraising essential to preserve this treasured community asset,” said Forde.

To help raise funds to make the necessary repairs, HCH has boxes of biscuits and tarts available for $10. Payment can be made using cash or bank transfer.

“Every box of biscuits and tarts sold, every ticket purchased for one of our fundraising events, every raffle entered, every donation made and every act of support helps us protect a building that has served our community for decades,” said Forde.

“Together, we can ensure that Heathcote Community House continues to be a warm, welcoming and inclusive place where people of all ages can connect, learn, belong and thrive.

“We sincerely thank everyone who supports our fundraising efforts. Your generosity is helping preserve not just a building, but a place that has become the heart of our community.”

Heathcote Community House is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.