The Bass Coast Winter Shelter officially concluded its 2025 season on September 12, following eight weeks of operation in Cowes.
The inaugural shelter, an initiative of the Interchurch Council of Phillip Island, was established to support community members experiencing homelessness.
Strongly backed by local residents and community groups, the shelter operated from church buildings to offer an evening meal, dormitory-style accommodation - and importantly, a safe, welcoming space for care and connection - three nights a week throughout the winter season.
Establishment and operation of the shelter was no small task.
"Put simply, the inaugural Bass Coast Winter Shelter could not have happened without the extraordinary generosity of our local volunteers, donors and partner organisations," explains Wendy Elson, Project Coordinator.
To celebrate and acknowledge the incredible efforts of everyone involved, a special volunteer thanksgiving event was recently held at St John's Uniting Church in Cowes.
The thank you event was an opportunity for the 50 plus volunteers to come together, reflect on the season and recognise the hard work and heart that made the Bass Coast Winter shelter possible.
"Volunteers were truly at the heart of the Bass Coast Winter Shelter - they stepped forward and trained up to make the shelter a reality. Some worked behind the scenes looking after logistics, cooking meals and more, while others offered a listening ear and a welcoming space.
"It is thanks to the efforts of these incredible locals that the shelter gave hope. It really did create community during the hardest time of the year," says Wendy.
"We're deeply grateful to every single person who contributed. From volunteering, to donating supplies and spreading the word - this has been a community effort. Support from the Bass Coast community has been inspiring," adds Wendy.
"As we wrap up our inaugural season, we will take time to reflect on what was achieved and how we can build on this for next year. The need for a winter shelter remains and we know that the strength and generosity of this community will continue into next year."
Next year
Looking towards the 2026 Bass Coast Winter Shelter, the committee will now review the inaugural season to see how it can further increase the connections between the shelter, local service providers and those experiencing homelessness.
Plans for the 2025 Bass Coast Winter Shelter evolved from the homelessness think tank forums run by Bass Coast Shire Council in 2023.
Establishment of the shelter was underpinned by the churches that form the Interchurch Council of Phillip Island including the Uniting, Baptist, Anglican, Catholic, Surf Church and Equip Church.
Assisting the churches to deliver the Winter Shelter were the Bass Coast Shire Council, Salvation Army Homelessness Services - Gippsland, Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) and Housing Matters Bass Coast (HMBC) which is auspiced by Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre (WNC).
Stable One, a registered charity that has successfully operated the Yarra Valley Winter Shelter since its inception in 2017, also supported and guided plans for the 2025 Bass Coast Winter Shelter.
Bass Coast Winter Shelter extends its heartfelt thanks to the entire community.
Every act of kindness has made a difference.