Murchison is making a last-ditch attempt to save its embattled community hub, Murchison Neighbourhood House, nine months after its parent company liquidated taking the town's only nursing home with it.
Operator Murchison Community Care was found to owe dozens of creditors — including the ATO, Bendigo Bank and staff — more than $5 million.
More than 70 employees at the DP Jones Nursing Home were left out of work and 40 residents displaced when it shut down in January, despite the Federal Government allocating $400,000 to the liquidator and promising to find a provider.
The financial mishap has also leeched into the neighbourhood house, with management now desperately trying to raise $50,000 before tender applications for the sale close.
'We have no money'
The Greater Shepparton City Council allocated $30,000 for the purchase of the neighbourhood house, but operators are now appealing for funds through GoFundMe.
Marg Clarke, from the Murchison Neighbourhood House, said they had exhausted funding options.
"We don't feel we have enough money to put in a viable tender — we're in a really hard spot," she said.
"All the equipment we have also has to be bought back."
The community hub is home to maternal and child services, a hairdresser and community programs.
Ms Clarke said she was disappointed no State or Federal funding was secured.
"We say all the right things, but the bottom line is we have no money," she said.
State and Federal Governments must pitch in
The Federal Government's attempt to find an accredited provider for the nursing home was stalled due to COVID-19.
Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum, said it was the State Government's role to support the neighbourhood house.
"I don't understand why [they] haven't gone in and purchased that building because they have a responsibility," he said.
"This petition is another sign to my government too as to how important the DP Jones decision is going to be."
