Broadbent pledges Food Relief support

Food Relief Neerim District recently welcomed Member for Monash Russell Broadbent to inspect the challenges of operating in its current Neerim South premises.
Offering food and support to more than 300 families across Baw Baw Shire, the community group is currently running an online campaign to fund a move to a new premises.
The campaign has attracted 19 donations raising a helpful $13,475. However, it is still well behind the $165,000 needed to fund a five-year transition to ensure a secure operation and long-term future.
Mr Broadbent toured the current premises under the stage at Algie Hall last Monday. Whilst the venue has been very generous for well over a decade, the Food Relief committee believe it is time to move on to a long-term safe, discreet and appropriate premises.
Bruce MacGougall from the local community bank told Mr Broadbent the group was committed to improving the lives of those doing it tough, but currently need help themselves.
Mr MacGougall said land in Neerim South was at a premium and hard to find. In addition, their finances didn't stretch far enough to pay rent so the committee relied on the goodwill of the community.
Mr Broadbent described Food Relief Neerim District as "a vital organisation run by dedicated local volunteers".
"There are many people doing it tough right now, and Food Relief is so important to the community - giving people a safety net to rely on," Mr Broadbent said.
He said the group had worked hard to fundraise and "they should get all the support we can possibly give".
Visit gofundme.com/f/food-relief-neerim-district-a-sustainable-future to support the online fundraising campaign.