Orange City Council's new 'Wood-bank' initiative is up and running.
Orange City Councillor Glenn Taylor says the new program will operate through the Foodcare Orange organisation operating out of the Glenroi Community Centre in Garema Road.
"It's clear that there are families in Orange dong it tough, and at this time of year a load of firewood could make all the difference," Cr Glenn Taylor said.
"This possibility came to light after a couple of instances of trees being felled in public reserves. If people are cutting down trees to keep warm, then that points to a community need that we can do something about.
WARMTH : Pictured at the launch of the Wood-bank are (l. to r.) Damen Bracey, Cr Glenn Taylor, Gene Tosh, Brian Meyers and Foodcare Orange President, Karen Boyde.
"Families in need in Orange are going to Foodcare, and there they'll get the groceries they'll need to help them through a tough patch. Now they'll also be able to get a delivery of firewood.
"The quality of the firewood is an important factor in this program. We've looked into it and the best way forward was to bring a couple of commercial wood suppliers on board. When a family asks for firewood at the Foodbank office, staff will take their details and arrange for a load of wood to be delivered."
Foodcare Orange President Karen Boyde welcomed the initiative.
"Foodcare meets an important need in the Orange community to help local families," Karen Boyde said. "At Foodcare, there are opportunities to offer support, as well as meeting a family's immediate needs of keeping food on the table. "
"This initiative by Orange City Council will add an extra layer of practical support particularly at this time of year."
Orange City Council put the wood-bank proposal out to tender and reached an agreement with two local commercial suppliers to make deliveries.
The council has allocated $5000 as the program's initial funding, enough to supply the first 100 deliveries of wood. Council staff will monitor the demand for wood through the program and will review the ongoing costs of the initiative in due course. Community groups and individuals can offer cash donations towards the program.
