After serving the Yarra Valley community for 36 years, Healesville Interchurch Community Care Inc. (HICCI) is navigating a period of significant change.
The organisation, which has long provided volunteer transport, emergency relief, and weekly community meals to residents in need, recently learned its federal government funding would end, marking the close of a partnership that spanned more than a quarter of a century.
HICCI’s roots trace back to its Emergency Relief program — its foundational effort to support those facing financial hardship.
This program has been sustained thanks to generous donations from churches, philanthropic organisations, local businesses, individuals, schools, sporting clubs, community markets, and the local council.
For over 25 years, federal government grants have further enabled HICCI to bolster its capacity, especially during challenging times such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the global financial crisis.
The recent notification that HICCI’s application for funding was unsuccessful came as a shock, leaving the organisation to reconsider how best to serve residents of Healesville, Yarra Glen, Steels Creek, Badger Creek, Dixons Creek, Castella, Toolangi, Narbethong, and Marysville.
With some traditional supporters also constrained, HICCI faces the dual challenge of reduced resources and continued — and growing — community need.
Despite these obstacles, HICCI is determined to adapt and innovate.
“We know part of our Emergency Relief Community Support program will need to pause, and things will be tough for a while,“ a spokesperson said.
“But we also know there are new ways to succeed. This change is an opportunity for us to rethink, renew, and continue to provide vital support to our community.“
HICCI is already taking steps toward renewal.
With a smaller pool of resources and the help of its generous network of supporters, the organisation has launched a refreshed pantry initiative, the ’Community Grocer’.
This program aims to provide a greater selection of groceries, including fresh fruit and vegetables, to anyone who needs a pantry top-up, helping stretch household budgets further.
Money saved on groceries can be redirected to paying bills, making this an efficient form of assistance for those struggling financially.
Beginning 1 October, the HICCI office will also serve as a hub for access to services such as Centrelink, counseling, and community support referrals throughout the week.
Agencies and organisations will be hosted on-site, with a timetable of services available on the HICCI website (hicci.org.au).
As HICCI embarks on this new chapter, the organisation remains grateful for the support that has sustained its work and optimistic about the possibilities ahead.
“Our story is still being written, shaped by the dedication of our team, the generosity of our supporters, and the enduring spirit of our community,“ the spokesperson added.
Residents seeking assistance or wishing to support HICCI can find more information by contacting the office or visiting the website.
The organisation’s commitment to helping those in need remains strong — even in the face of adversity.
