Tenacious treasurer fights for sanctuary’s rights

Clota Cottage Neighbourhood House
Tenacious. Energetic. Selfless

Clota Cottage Neighbourhood House is a much-valued sanctuary wherein elderly, disabled and lonely people can socialise and learn new skills, and it makes an effort to embrace people who don’t speak English as a first language.

However, a major commercial development next door was threatening its existence by keeping people away.

That’s where volunteer treasurer Trevor Eddy came in.

He led a media and face-to-face campaign that secured compensation, returned Clota to a firm financial footing and brought the community back together.

Trevor is known for tenaciously fighting for the rights of others and feels exhilarated and humbled to have been voted a Westfield Local Hero.

“I don’t see myself as a hero but an advocate for those who don’t have a voice. I think this says I am making a difference and that’s important to me,” he says.

“I love trying to resolve injustice, inequity and the isolation.”

Trevor secured a large cash and in-kind compensation payment from the construction company, which returned the house to profit.

He has also reviewed all house policies and procedures and engaged local councillors to support the sanctuary.

The house is just one of the many causes Trevor supports. He volunteers, consults and advocates for ten other organisations and was named Chisholm Volunteer of the Year in 2017 and Whitehorse Citizen of the Year in 2019.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Clota Cottage Neighbourhood House will use its grant to replace its ageing computers and to set up a hub to teach technology. The front of the house will be converted into a warm and welcoming place where people can have a cup of tea, play cards or watch a movie.

“It will change the face of the whole place,” says Trevor.

“There will be new programs, new equipment and new people. What it will really do is give us an opportunity to fulfil the hopes and aspirations for the people who share their time with us.”

__For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here. __