HICCI’s office space

By KATH GANNAWAY
THE official opening of the new HICCI office on Wednesday, 4 July, marked the end of a six-year journey for the Healesville-based churches welfare group.
There was a buzz of excitement as people discovered the light-filled, spacious interior having stepped in from the contemporary timber façade.
The building, for years a rabbit-warren annexe of the Healesville Memorial Hall, has been transformed into an inviting, functional space designed to facilitate and enhance the provision of HICCI welfare services including food relief, transport and community outreach services.
Healesville Interchurch Community Care executive officer Kerri Goding said however the future of the building was not always assured. The building was initially earmarked for demolition as part of the Memorial Hall redevelopment which is also nearing completion.
“Greg Burgess Architects convinced our Memorial Hall redevelopment team it was a footprint worth keeping,” she said adding there were many shire staff who had been involved, had listened, encouraged and respected the work and people of HICCI.
She praised the contribution of Yarra Ranges Council’s project manager and designer Carron McLeod saying she had fulfilled her brief with enthusiasm and determination and brought the project in on time and on budget.
And she paid tribute to the vision of HICCI pioneers.
She said HICCI was unique in that it brought all the churches of Healesville and Yarra Glen together to encourage and provide the opportunity of building social capital with more than 120 dedicated volunteers on their books.
“We wouldn’t be here without the vision and foresight of many local people in our community who wanted to make a change,” she said casting an eye around the gathering which included past and present staff, volunteers and office-bearers.
HICCI president Margaret Blair and Yarra Ranges Council’s Ryrie Ward representative Cr Jeanette McRae officially opened the building.
Mrs Blair said the design provided a functional working environment for staff and volunteers after many years of making do.
“The emphasis for us all is what we can achieve for the clients. We see it as very important that there is a respect and empowering way of working with people.”
Mrs Blair said she felt privileged to be part of HICCI as a local organisation that receives so much support from people in the community, other community organisations and the local businesses, large and small.
Cr McRae said the project showed what could be achieved with the shire working together with the community.
“The council, working with HICCI, have provided an environment that is so uplifting and welcoming for people coming in for the services that HICCI provides and a fabulous working environment for the people who are so committed to those in our community in need of support.”