Uniting’s Grovedale emergency relief centre closing on September 30
An emergency relief centre in Grovedale is set to close by the end of the month, but some are concerned that the region’s most vulnerable could go without basic necessities because of it.
Volunteers and social welfare advocates say they are seriously concerned for the wellbeing of the region’s most vulnerable after a major charity announced it will close a critical support service in Grovedale.
Uniting Vic. Tas plans to shut down the Grovedale emergency relief centre it runs on Torquay Rd by September 30 and merge it with another site in Norlane.
In an email seen by the Geelong Advertiser, volunteer programs manager Nicky Forster told those involved the changes were because essential financial support had evaporated.
“We do need to advise you that we have had an 80 per cent decrease in government funding for our emergency relief services and that means we will need to reduce or close services in some areas.”
Nearly 80 per cent of Uniting’s revenue in Victoria and Tasmania came from state and federal government contributions last year, according to a 2024 annual report published by the organisation.
Uniting north and west Victoria general manager Genevieve Schreiber said it meant their hands were tied.
“Limitations and changes in government funding do impact our ability to respond to community needs,” Ms Schreiber said.
“We are having to review all our emergency relief across the state.”
“Uniting Vic. Tas remains committed to delivering emergency relief in Geelong as a critical point of food and material support, as well as a gateway for vulnerable people to access other key services.”
Helen Gaynard, who has been a volunteer at the Grovedale site for eight years, wrote to Corangamite MP Libby Coker asking her to help save the site.
Ms Gaynard said that among those impacted were women escaping domestic violence and homeless pensioners.
“This cut will disadvantage clients who rely on the local, accessible and very well-known Uniting ER service … making accessing basic food, housing, and other assistance almost impossible for vulnerable people who don’t have cars, can’t afford public transport, and feel very uncomfortable moving out of their familiar area,” Ms Gaynard said.
“Our clients come to us when they are absolutely desperate.”
Ms Gaynard said the transfer to the Norlane site was “unsuitable” because of its location, small size, and low capacity.
“The Grovedale ER site serves clients from the entire Geelong area, through Armstrong Creek and all the way along the Surf Coast to Apollo Bay,” she said.
Give Where You Live Foundation chief executive Zac Lewis said he too was “very concerned” about the ramifications of pulling the plug on the support service.
“We know from our Food for Thought research and from many conversations with our community partners that local food relief agencies are facing significant increases in demand for their services.”
“With cost-of-living pressures and community need only growing, we need more support in our community, not less.”
In July, the Drysdale Foodbank shut down after 25 years in operation.
A spokesman for Ms Coker said the Corangamite MP would advocate for the centre.
“In response to correspondence from volunteers, Libby has contacted the Minister and will continue to engage with her office.”
“Libby absolutely recognises the important work of the volunteers and acknowledges the role they play in supporting people across Grovedale and the broader region.”
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Originally published as Uniting’s Grovedale emergency relief centre closing on September 30
