Despite the efforts of Geelong council, services at Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House have still not resumed.
The City of Greater Geelong stepped in to temporarily oversee operations at the community centre, formerly Bellarine Training and Community Hub (BTACH), after its committee of management went into administration on Tuesday, September 2.
However, while the City hoped to minimise disruption to the centre’s services, which include a youth group and community courses across a range of subjects, they have yet to resume since its closure.
The City published a statement on its website last week, saying that while officers “initially expected that services would continue largely as normal during the transition period”, that was not the case.
“We recognise that users of the Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House… are keen to hear when classes and activities will resume,” the statement read.
“However, as the appointed administrator is still finalising the insolvency procedure and handover, our staff do not yet have operational access to the building. While this work is being completed, programs continue to be on hold.
“As soon as we gain access to the building, we will prioritise getting activities underway with minimal disruption and communicate this on our City of Greater Geelong social media, website and in an email to users.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition period. We look forward to the Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House once again becoming a hub of social connection, learning and recreation.”
Since opening in 1980 the community house has serviced a wide geographical region, including the Bellarine, Surf Coast and Geelong.
On Wednesday (October 1) the City’s executive director of City Life Anthony Basford said while he did not know exactly when the centre would reopen, planning was “well and truly underway”.
“Over the coming weeks, our staff will reach out to program and service providers who previously used the centre to start making arrangements for their return,” he said.
“To help us move towards reopening more quickly, we encourage any former users of the neighbourhood house who wish to resume their programs and activities to get in touch with our team by emailing communitystrengthening@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
“We’ll continue to keep the community updated through social media as we move closer to reopening.”
