Bank backs fundraiser for new op shop

WINCHELSEA Community Bank has thrown its support behind the fundraising appeal for Hesse Rural Health’s new op shop.

As part of its 2021-22 Community Investment Program, the bank has committed to matching up to $50,000 donated to the project on a dollar-for-dollar basis starting from September 1.

Hesse Rural Health’s annual appeal has raised $86,757 as of last week.

“The Community Bank recognises the importance of the op shop to the community, and are very pleased to support the appeal,” bank chair John Knuckey said.

“We hope that by providing matching support for further contributions, we can grow the appeal to allow the project to start as soon as possible.”

Hesse Rural Health launched its annual appeal in June, with fundraising efforts being directed towards opening a bigger and better op shop for Winchelsea.

After the well-publicised loss of the previous op shop due to fire, a new home is proposed at 44 Main Street using the old café and adjoining building, with the fundraising target set at $400,000 to enable the existing heritage-listed building to be renovated and extended.

Hesse Rural Health chief executive officer Carissa Brock is hopeful this matched funding offer will drive further community donations.

“Hesse Rural Health is very grateful to the support shown by Winchelsea Community Bank to our appeal and their offer of matched future fundraising,” she said.

“Our community has already shown great support to our fundraising appeal, and we would be very thankful for any further support shown
while community donations are being matched dollar for dollar.”

The proposed op shop design embraces the old Foxes Den heritage and recognises its significant history in the town, ensuring the legacy of both the former Orchard bakery and attached dwelling are protected.

The project is proposed in two stages, with the initial restoration of the existing building allowing the Op Shop to re-open, and the second stage extending the footprint of the building to provide additional retail, sorting and storage, as well as a delivery bay at the rear of the building.

A later third stage, dependent on the completion of stage two, is to add a building space at the rear of the property to house Hesse Rural Health’s growing Home Care packages team, with an additional $300,000 required to complete this stage.

With the federal government recently announcing a further 80,000 home care packages nationwide, and Hesse Rural Health looking to support as many locals as possible by providing home care packages, this stage will also add significantly to Winchelsea’s community facilities.

To donate to the Hesse Rural Health Annual Appeal, head to the Hesse Rural Health website.