VITAL crisis support centre Peplow House will reach a 40-year milestone this week.
Local members from across Ballarat community agencies will gather at the Centacare run facility on Thursday to honour the tireless work of those who have volunteered over the past four decades.
The Webster Street house has played a pivotal role in providing crisis support and outreach services to homeless men in Ballarat and its surrounding communities.
The homeless men’s shelter was opened under the banner of The Ballarat Council of Churches when it was established in 1976 by Father Gerry Baldock.
Centacare executive director David Beaver said the needs of homeless men has required Peplow House to stay operational with ongoing community and government support.
“The success and longstanding nature of Peplow House is a credit to the hard work and dedication of the endless volunteers, the Ladies Auxiliary and Father Baldock,” Mr Beaver said.
“Over the last 40 years Peplow has been a refuge, a place of solitude and a safe haven for thousands of men. Although the demographic of those who access Peplow services has changed, the need for the services has never wavered.”
The milestone will be celebrated with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and an afternoon tea at Peplow House on Thursday from 2.30pm to 4pm.
Centacare has reproduced the 1976 Ladies Auxiliary Cookbook in commemoration of the event, with copies available from local parishes or on the www.centacareballarat.org.au website.
Michael Pollock
Transport and infrastructure reporter.
Transport and infrastructure reporter.
