Auspice Groups

Community groups we support.

Auspicing is a process through which an established organisation takes legal and financial responsibility for a project or group that lacks formal structure — allowing them to access funding, receive donations, and enter contracts.

Winchelsea Community House currently auspices five local groups, lending credibility and support to initiatives that align with our mission of community connection and wellbeing.

FOOD RELIEF
Hesse Rural Health - Winchelsea Community Food Bank

Sustainable food relief for those experiencing food insecurity in Winchelsea District and surrounding areas.

The Winchelsea Community Foodbank assists the Winchelsea and surrounding areas with sustainable food relief for those experiencing food insecurity. The funding provided under this auspice supports the employment of a foodbank coordinator to continue the operations of the Food Relief Program.

The Winchelsea Foodbank is open to the community on Fridays from 12 noon till 2pm (except on public holidays).

If you are interested in volunteering, require immediate food relief assistance or are keen to know more, email healthpromotion@hesse.vic.gov.au

RURAL COMMUNITY
Wensleydale Rural Community Group

A volunteer-led group dedicated to fostering connection, communication and community spirit across the Wurdale area.

The Wensleydale Rural Community Group is a volunteer-led community group dedicated to fostering connection, communication and community spirit across the rural district of Wensleydale, Gherang, Wurdi Boluc and Winchelsea South — commonly called the Wurdale area.

The group brings residents together through a range of social, community and information-sharing activities. Key activities include:

  • Organising annual Christmas gatherings and community celebrations.
  • Hosting monthly community dinners that provide opportunities for residents to meet, connect and stay informed.
  • Managing community Facebook communications to share local news, events and important information.
  • Promoting local activities, events and initiatives that benefit residents and encourage community participation.
  • Raising awareness of issues that affect the area, including bushfire preparedness, fire risk information and other matters important to community safety and resilience.
  • Supporting special community milestones such as the Wurdale Hall Centenary and occasional community dances and social events.

Whether you are a long-term resident or new to the area, the group welcomes your involvement. Interested or have any questions? Interested or have any questions contact Christine Trotter at wrcomgroup@gmail.com

MENTAL HEALTH
Conquer the Corrugations Mental Health Walk

A community mental health awareness walk raising awareness, reducing stigma, and honouring those affected by mental health struggles.

“Conquer the Corrugations” is a mental health awareness walk aimed at raising awareness about the challenges of life, supporting those affected by mental health issues, and reducing stigma. The event encourages community participation and remembrance of loved ones lost to mental health struggles.

A not-for-profit, family friendly, free community event open to all ages and abilities. Participants are encouraged to come together as a community and to support one another.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING
The Winchelsea Men's Shed

Improving the health and wellbeing of men of all ages through meaningful activities, social connection, and community projects.

The Winchelsea Men’s Shed aims to provide an environment to improve the health and wellbeing of men of all ages, addressing social isolation and boosting men’s mental health through:

  • Social belonging
  • Making friends
  • Sharing meaningful activities

The Shed also provides vital health information through talks and contact with local resources — covering physical functioning, general health, vitality and mental health — information that men may not usually access or may be reluctant to seek out.

Including: 

  • physical functioning
  • general health
  • vitality
  • mental health

The Men’s Shed helps with community projects and provides a service to locals for making or repairing items as needed. Each month the Men’s Shed holds a sausage sizzle at the monthly Winchelsea Sunday Market, as well as at other times during the year to support the local community.

Open every Wednesday, 9:30am – 1:00pm.

For information contact

email: winchmenshed@gmail.com

Ray Atkinson – Co-ordinator  0407839139
Frank Jelliff  – Secretary      0423032215

Find out more about auspicing

If you have a group or project that might benefit from an auspice arrangement under Winchelsea Community House, get in touch for a discussion. All auspice agreements need to be formal and signed by appropriate people, and will need Committee approval so don’t leave it till the last minute!