Introduction

Imagine a local place where your community feels comfortable to meet, where you
can access local services, where you can pick up the paper, sit down for a coffee
served by local people being trained in hospitality.

A place rich in community resources, a place where you can:

• Surf the Net
• Undertake a Training Course
• Consult a Community Health Nurse
• Find out what's going on in your community by talking to people who know or
  by just grabbing some fliers
• Join a working group to improve local facilities or a walking group to improve
  your waistline
• Access Employment Services
• Borrow a mower from the tool library to clean up your yard
• Prepare a meal with your neighbours in a Community Kitchen
• Access childcare while you're utilising services or training
• Access an alternative educational program if you're under 20 years old

We want our hub to be just like your friendliest pub without the alcohol, smoke and pokies.
Seriously, a hub is another name for a thriving centre in our neighbourhood that provides
more chance for more people to develop themselves and their community.

The Premises

In a central position in the Neighbourhood Renewal area are 2 shops and an
adjoining residence. One shop is approximately 50 m², the other is about 75 m²
with a 15 m² store room and food preparation area. The adjoining 3 bedroom
residence has a large lounge/dining /kitchen area. Outside is a large shed of
approximately 25 m². Although the complex looks dilapidated and the garden
overgrown, the premises are structurally sound and have been purchased
by Bendigo Access Employment.

A Enterprise Hub

The tool library will be run by volunteers and will provide tools to the local
community on a low cost basis to lift pride in the neighbourhood.
The meeting/training room will provide a venue for local activities such as
Neighbourhood Watch meetings, resident action group meetings, club meetings as
well as the delivery of vocational training courses.
The childminding room will allow parents to participate in hub activities and have
their children minded.
The offices will be used to deliver community development, employment, housing
and heath services to the community.

Management of the complex

The Hub will be owned and operated by Bendigo Access Employment, which is a
community based, not for profit organisation delivering a diverse range of services to
the Bendigo area. An advisory committee consisting of community members and
representatives from service agencies using the Hub will guide the activities
undertaken. Partners include:

• Bendigo Community Health
• Eaglehawk Community House
• St Lukes Family Care
• Eaglehawk Neighbourhood Renewal

It is envisaged that Council, Job Networks, Centrelink and other services will avail
themselves of opportunities to deliver services in the community through the Hub and
thus become partners in the complex..