Who is 
Toodyay Locals Care Inc

About 20 years ago Roz Davidson, a cancer survivor  herself, heard of a project in America where people visited people undergoing cancer treatment in their homes.  The visits were organised on a roster system, to give companionship and hope.  With a few other dedicated volunteers Roz, began this around the Toodyay area.

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As the service grew, there became a growing awareness of other needs in the community which were not being met. Slowly, the addition of prepared meals entered into the service.  Assistance was given to people needing transport to medical appointments.

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In 2018, Toodyay Locals Care  was formally registered as an incorporated body.  At this time, a house was rented from the Toodyay and Community Bendigo Bank in Stirling Tce.  This house became the base for people in need in the Toodyay community.  A fridge and freezer with  pre-prepared meals, only requiring heating, was made available.  Other perishable food items were also available such as bread and milk.  Cooking lessons were held within the house, and soon the group was meeting regularly to prepare the meals such as casseroles and soups, which were made to nutritional requirements.

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Also, the house acted as a drop in point for those who needed some company.  A Wednesday night and Tuesday morning craft group also used the house as a base.  Meanwhile, word was slowly getting around,  and more and more people were asking to be taken to medical appointments to the local doctor surgery, Northam hospital and metropolitan based medical facilities.  The lounge room of the house became a dry store food area.  Washing was done for the homeless, and showering facilities were provided.

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In 2020 the lease came to an end, and today's current property at 20 Fiennes St, Toodyay was made available due to the generosity of Charlie and Alison Wroth.   The bedraggled and overgrown garden has been transformed by volunteers.  A huge busy bee was held over a couple of weekends to repaint and refurbish the old house, and then the mammoth move took place.

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Over time various renovations have taken place, and there is now a pantry room, a linen and clothing storage room, a craft room, a pots and pans room and the heart of any home, a kitchen, where people gather to socialise.

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A fridge/freezer is located on the front verandah, along with a microwave to reheat the frozen meals.  There is a dry goods pantry available as well, and another cupboard has recycled pots, pans and other kitchen items for people to help themselves.  This area is lit 24hrs  day.  Second hand clothing is also available.

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Toodyay Locals Care Inc acts as a recycling depot too, with cash for cans, the funds of which are used to assist those in need.  Clothing and linen is sorted and sent to Shalom House, Aboriginal communities, Belmont Homeless Shelter and the Homeless Support Association.  Some more worn items are delivered to veterinary practices to use as bedding with their animals.  People ring and ask if we have/can use furniture items, and where possible, donors and recipients are matched.

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Toodyay Locals Care Inc is managed by a committee of local dedicated volunteers.  We are also registered with Centrelink as a  "Work for the Dole" centre, and we could not operate without our volunteers.

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