In March 2024 the Omeo Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee of Management and the Omeo Community Hub committee amalgamated after a public meeting into one committee of management for the future operations of both the hall and hub, including incorporating and establishing its own banking status.
“The former Hub wishes to thank the Omeo Region Business and Tourism Association Inc for being the auspice until we determined that we are sustainable and able to operate independently,” Ronda Manhire said.
“We commenced our operations on July 1 2023 in the former Parks Victoria offices in Day Avenue under the roof of East Gippsland Shire Council facilities alongside the Soldiers Memorial Hall.
“Our journey to our first birthday in July 2024 has been memorable and productive. With grants received from Gippsland Community Foundation, FRRR and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) we were able to furnish, install our IT and fit out the offices, which were originally the Council Chambers for the former Omeo Shire.
“We are able to offer private as well as collective space for community activities within the hub. Recently funded by the Federal Government, the Regional University Study Hub, will continue to operate from our premises for those wishing to undertake VCE and tertiary education using reliable internet through Starlink.
“With the recent development of the microgrid system at the shire we have continuous power now, even when the grid goes down. So being able to study from the Hub at any time of day or night is a bonus.”
East Gippsland Shire Council has upgraded the male toilets in the hall and in this financial year the ladies will undergo the same facelift
The committee upgraded the hall lighting and installed ceiling fans while the shire replaced security lighting outside the hall entrances and improved drainage issues at the rear of the hall.
The Omeo Hub is the designated Emergency Assembly area for Omeo and surrounds but the Omeo Recreation Reserve remains as the designated relief centre.
Further funding from Ag Nutrien Solutions and Gippsland Community Foundation, through Omeo Region Community Recovery Association, has allowed the group to hold information sessions for the community with monthly guest speakers and provide light lunches.
The speakers have been from Omeo District Health, community groups such as the garden club and the Alpine Gallery from Swifts Creek. Omeo Mountain Bike Trail manager, Ben Reeves, the Harvest Exchange and Ambulance Victoria paramedic are future speakers in 2024.
The Omeo Region Youth group has attended the hub and assisted with the current Lego project that is progressing well – building a streetscape.
With further improvements planned for the hall kitchen, another guest chef session will be held after the successful inaugural cooking activity recently.
“As an unfunded but affiliated Victorian Neigbourhood House, Omeo Hall and Hub Committee of Management is very grateful for the support from East Gippsland Shire Council, philanthropic groups as well as community members and businesses,” Ms Manhire said.
“Without the backing of these groups the hub would not exist.
“Presently we are undertaking the development of our strategic plan for the hall and hub in conjunction with Happy Changemakers that will provide us with clear guidelines and a clear pathway for our future operations. Our previous work with Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) gave us the impetus and provided us with a solid basis from which to develop.
“If our flag is out and the hall door is open then the hub is open for all to use. If you wish to study at the hub please get in contact with us to have further discussions.”
