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Hub needs money By Frank Neill
A major donor or donors are needed to keep open Johnsonville’s much loved and used Collective Community Hub. The community hub actually closed yesterday, 16 April, but if funding can be found it will keep operating. An incredible community initiative
The hub was established by Johnsonville real estate agent William Yip, of Collective First National Real Estate. The hub has been “99% funded by the company personally and the real estate market hasn’t been wonderful recently,” William says. Because of that Collective First National is no longer in a position to provide the $855,000 a year that it costs to run the very popular space.
The hub has been seeking grants recently, but they have not materialised. “We were quite disappointed that our efforts to get external grants were rejected,” William says. Despite that “we are doing everything we can to try and keep it open.” “This has been a long time dream of William’s to have a community space that groups can come to and
William Yip, who established the Collective Community Hub in Johnsonville. Photo: Supplied. use free,” says Tracy Hurst- generous ... and it has provided Porter, the hub’s co-ordinator. a very good community facility. “He is doing this incredible “It is very, very popular. work in the community.” “Even though it is closing, it Collective First National “have has made a very big difference spent about $1 million give or to Johnsonville,” Cr Randle take over the last four years,” says. Tracey says. “I have been here four years,” “What we need now is for the Tracey says. community to take ownership During that time “over 428 of this hub, and to help out – the unique groups have used our ones who are able. space.” “We need some big amount of That has included churches, financial support.” community groups, sports She has her fingers crossed, groups, community meetings, also, about a funding applica- NGOs, the Police, Health, tion the hub has made. Ministry of Education, even “We find out on 7 May. embassies. “There’s always the hope that In addition the community this place can be saved. This hub has helped beginning busispace is needed.” nesses become established, If the hub closes “it is going and children’s art classes have to be really hard for these com- begun there. “You name it, munity groups to get the space we’ve had it,” Tracey says. they need,” Tracey says. The hub is run by the CollecWellington City Councillor tive Community Hub Trust. Tony Randle paid tribute to This is a registered charity, so William Yip for his vision to donations are tax deductible. establish the Collective ComPeople wanting to give donaThe Johnsonville Collective Community Hub munity Hub. tions, or receive more inforCo-ordinator Tracey Hurst-Porter. The hub “is essentially a gift to mation can contact Tracey at Photo: Frank Neill. the community,” he says. info@collectivehub.co.nz, or “It has certainly been very William at 021 106 9997.
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