The City of Cockburn's response to the Fremantle Herald about the closure of Second Harvest, 8.2.24
Statement: The City is saddened to hear of the challenges this hard-working organisation has encountered, leading to the decision to cease operation after 42 years of service.
We sincerely appreciate the remarkable contributions Second Harvest has made to the Cockburn community.
Everyone who has ever been involved with delivering the important work of this organisation over the past 40+ years, should be very proud of all it has accomplished during this time.
Question: How is the closure of an important community service such as Second Harvest likely to affect those in need in the Hamilton Hill and wider community?
Answer: Many sections of the WA community are experiencing difficulties during the current economic climate and we encourage people in need to reach out to support organisations in the community.
We encourage those who are able, to make donations to these support organisations in an effort to help their fellow community members and neighbours.
The City also offers a community grants program to provide funding to individuals, community groups and not-for-profits in Cockburn. The program includes sponsorship and donations for eligible organisations that directly assist disadvantaged and or/vulnerable people within the Cockburn community.
Applications for 2024 open on 12 February until 22 March. For more information visit the City’s Community and Funding
webpage.
Question: What support did the City provide Second Harvest, and could the City have done more to support the organisation and make it more financially sustainable?
Answer: The City has always been supportive of community organisations such as Second Harvest, in our community. They play a fundamental role helping families make ends meet, especially during difficult economic periods such as those we have experienced in recent times, particularly since the pandemic.
The City has provided funding totalling $197,850 between 2012 and 2022 to Second Harvest. This included grants in response to COVID-19 and for the purchase of a fridge and freezer.
Again in March 2023, the City awarded Second Harvest a $20,000 donation to help with day-to-day operating costs.
The City has provided Second Harvest with a low-cost peppercorn lease arrangement over several years at the Southwell Community Centre in Hamilton Hill.
Last year the team from the City’s Volunteer Resource Centre worked intensively with Second Harvest to help build a reliable team of volunteers.
While Cockburn is fortunate to have a wonderful culture of volunteering, we are always appealing for more willing people with free time to lend a hand to make their community a better place for everyone.
More information is available on the City’s
Volunteering webpage.
Question: What other emergency relief (food) services are available for people who have previously been accessing Second Harvest?
Answer: Some local options include -
Three Community Eats programs are available in Cockburn, providing free community dinners on various dates throughout 2024 – Hami Eats, Cooby Eats and Yangebup Eats. To find out more contact the City of Cockburn Community Development Team on 08 9411 3444 or email
[email protected]
Feed it Forward Incorporated –
https://feeditforward.au/ or search for their Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/577861689418823
AYLA Assisting Your Life to Achieve Inc –
https://www.aylainc.org.au/
South Lake Ottey Family & Neighbourhood Centre –
https://waconnect.org.au/south-lake-ottey-family-neighbourhood-centre/ or call 08 9417 2372
Yangebup Family Centre –
https://www.yangebupfamilycentre.org/
PortCare –
https://www.portcare.com.au/home
Question: The founder also mentioned (as did their social media post) that violence displayed by customers was one of the reasons for closing the service. Is violence towards charitable services something the City gets notified about (perhaps through CoSafe) and is this a growing problem?
Answer: The City does not have data on reports to CoSafe that detail whether charities are impacted by violence, however, the City has a zero tolerance position to all forms of violence and organisations and individuals are encouraged to call 000 in any emergency.