With the rising cost of living, ongoing impacts of drought, and the additional burden of the Emergency Services Volunteer Levy, local families are doing it tough and many are quietly struggling to get by. Mat Deans and Sue Rondeau, Directors of The Six C’s and members of the Winslow Fire Brigade (Captain and 4th Lieutenant respectively), have seen first-hand how these compounding stressors are affecting the resilience and wellbeing of rural communities.
“As emergency management professionals, we work with communities across Victoria to prepare for and recover from disasters. But we also see the day-to-day battles people are facing, battles that don’t make the headlines,” said Mr Deans. “This is our way of saying, ‘We see you, and we’ve got your back.’”
What are the Community Cupboards?
The Community Cupboards are mini supermarkets stocked with non-perishable food and personal care items. They are accessible 24/7 so that people can visit without needing to ask for help or explain themselves, they require no appointments or registrations.
“There are no barriers. If you need something, take it. No judgement. No questions. Just support when you need it most,” said Ms Rondeau.
The Community Cupboards will be restocked weekly.
Where are the Community Cupboards?
The Six C’s Community Cupboards are located at:
- Winslow Fire Station – Church Street Winslow
- Toolong Fire Station – 11 Toolong West Rd, Toolong
- Caramut Fire Station – 15 Gibson St, Caramut
- Ellerslie Fire Station – 30 Ellerslie – Panmure Rd, Ellerslie
- Nullawarre Fire Station – Great Ocean Rd, Nullawarre
- Bessiebelle Fire Station – 18 School Rd, Bessiebelle
No Red Tape – written by The Six C’s
FAQ’s
Why are the Community Cupboards located at CFA fire stations ?
The Community Cupboards are located at CFA fire stations as they provide a safe location that is close to farming communities.
Are the Community Cupboards only for CFA members?
No, the Community Cupboards are for all the community. You don’t need to be a CFA member to use the Community Cupboards.
Do I need to register?
No you don’t need to register to use the Community Cupboards.
How can I donate?
- Food donations can be directed to Western District Food Share at 24a Harrington Rd Warrnambool.
- Toiletries and hygiene items can be dropped off at the Winslow Fire Station.
How many Community Cupboards are there?
There are 6 Community Cupboards that stretch across an impressive 360 kilometres, reflecting our commitment to care for those right across our region.
Mental Health Support & Suicide Prevention
| Agency | Services |
| headspace Level 1 – 210 Timor St, Warrnambool 1300 276 749 Headspace.org.au | headspace Warrnambool, Portland and Hamilton is a free service for those aged 12-25 years. headspace supports young people with their: -Mental health and wellbeing -Sexual health -Alcohol and other drugs support -Work, school and study |
| Orange Door 230 Koroit St, Warrnambool 0458 750 351 | The Orange Door provides help for people experiencing family violence, or who need assistance with the care and wellbeing of children and young people. |
| Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 Beyondblue.org.au | Beyond Blue provides mental health support including information, helpful tools and free confidential counselling 24/7. |
| Lifeline 13 11 14 Lifeline.org.au | Lifeline provides all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. We exist so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone. |
| Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 | Free 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. |
| 13 Yarn 13 92 76 | For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are going through a tough time and feel like having a yarn. |
| SW Healthcare Mental Health Services Koroit St, Warrnambool 1800 808 284 (Free call 24/7) southwesthealthcare.com.au | SW Healthcare provide integrated mental health treatment, care and support to residents of South West Victoria |
| Rural Aid 1300 175 594 ruralaid.org.au | Rural Aid offers free, confidential counselling to farmers and their family and farm workers. They conduct counselling at the place that best suits, on farm, in town or over the phone. Rural Aid counsellors are professionally trained to help support people navigate all kinds of life challenges but come with an understanding of the unique needs of rural people. |
Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence
| Agency | Services |
| 1800Respect 1800 737 732 Text 0458 737 732 Video call via website (9am to midnight 7 days a week) 1800respect.org.au | Confidential information, counselling and support service to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence. |
| Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292 Sacl.com.au | The Sexual Assault Crisis Line Victoria (SACL) is a state-wide, after-hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault |
Emergency Food Hampers
| Agency | Agency |
| Salvation Army 5561 6792 | St Vincent De Paul 5561 0767 |
| Anglicare 0458 750 351 | Brophy 5561 8888 |
Financial Support
| Agency | Services |
| Rural Financial Counselling 1300 735 578 https://wswrcs.com.au/ | Free, independent and confidential financial counselling services are available for farmers and small regional and rural-based business owners, who are clients of Rural Financial Counselling Service. |
| Agriculture Victoria Drought Support Package https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/dry-seasons-and-drought-support/grants-and-financial-support/south-west-drought-support-package |
Fodder & Drinking Water
| Agency | Services |
| Rural Aid 1300 175 594 https://www.ruralaid.org.au/services-provided/ | A primary producer who has been affected by a natural disaster, or operating in a drought impacted area can apply for fodder and domestic water assistance. You will need to register with Rural Aid and provide the following: -Primary Producer Declaration (within the last 12 months) -Current ABN in your name -Current PIC Number (where applicable) in your name |
The Six C's 