By Casey Neill
Cornerstone will host the final meal in its Mason Street home without a permanent new space to move to.
The Dandenong contact centre’s CEO Stephen Barrington said the Friday 28 July event was just the end of one chapter.
“We are literally out searching every day for the right building, in the right location,” he said.
From Wednesday 2 August, the Dandenong Church of Christ in David Street will host the Wednesday and Friday Cornerstone lunches.
“We are thankful to this church community for allowing us to use their space, not too far out from central Dandenong,” Mr Barrington said.
“Unfortunately we were unable to find a short-term premises that was available for all of our programs to use and we are very disappointed about that.
“This is not ideal but is the best we can manage at this point.
“This is a very short-term move for us.
“We are searching and praying for a more permanent space in central Dandenong that we can relocate to.
“It is our hope that this will be very soon and we can again have many community groups join us.”
Dozens of people gathered at the Dandenong charity on Friday 19 May to farewell its home of 25-plus years, on the corner of Walker Street.
The Rado family provided the converted church at Mason and Walker streets rent free – and paid the site’s rates – but announced late last year that the site was up for sale.
Steve Rado, son of Ron and Nancy, and his wife Angela attended the event.
“Our circumstances have changed,” Steve said.
“It’s been a hard decision.
“When dad died in 2001, mum made the decision to keep it running as long as possible.”
He said proceeds from the sale would go to a charitable foundation.
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams announced a $30,000 State Government grant at the afternoon tea.
At their Monday 22 May meeting, Greater Dandenong councillors unanimously voted to provide an immediate one-off grant of $25,000 to help Cornerstone set up its new premises, and a one-off increase of its $19,000 annual funding to $30,000 for the 2017-18 year.
Mr Barrington plans to introduce social enterprises including an op-shop for the new site to help Cornerstone generate a steady stream of income.
He’s also organising a formal partnership with a training body to offer hospitality training.
