Coronavirus Melbourne: Camberwell cubby house brings neighbours together
A cubby house has turned into the source of community goodwill in one Camberwell neighbourhood. The outcome has left a happy feeling for everyone involved.
Inner East
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A simple cubby house has been transformed into the representation of all that is good to be in a community during the coronavirus pandemic.
When self-isolation started in Victoria, Camberwell mother Johanna Jonggowisastro felt “a desire to do something better than good” in light of coronavirus.
Her husband, Suka, gave her the idea of “sharing what we have” and thus ‘the share house’ was born.
“We are a Catholic family and so are we missing out on those groups and what we would share with them,” she said.
“Sharing things feels really good.
“At the time, we didn’t care what how it went, we just wanted to fulfil our desire to do something better than good.”
Eldest daughter Chloe created the sign which adorns the front of the Arlington St cubby house, which reads ‘give what you can, take what you need’.
Initially putting in plants, herbs, chillies, toys and books among other things, the cubby house is now decorated with thank you notes and filled with items.
“We are very blessed to live in a nice neighbourhood,” Ms Jonggowisastro said.
“We don’t expect anything back but it’s nice to know people care.
“It gives you happiness, sharing and not just thinking about yourself.
“It’s a different level of happiness.”
Neighbour Mandie Gillott said with everyone out walking, it was “a lovely way of connecting with the community, even though it is not directly”.
“We are in this together,” she said.
“It’s lovely to see that someone has taken the initiative to promote a community spirit when we are all social distancing.”
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Ms Jonggowisastro said the cubby house and the intention behind it would remain even after the coronavirus shutdown ended.