Helping people and making a difference have been at the foundation of the roles Robbie Ross has had throughout his working life.
The new Community House Mid Canterbury manager comes to the parttime role with a good understanding of bringing groups and organisation together.
Prior to moving back to his hometown of Ashburton last year, he managed a community hub in Carterton, with a staff of 100.
The hub provided a place for connection, while organising home care, play groups, an early childhood facility, 70 meals on wheels daily, an off-site community garden and family home for the destitute.
He is enthusiastic about putting as much energy into his latest job, which he started last month.
‘‘It’s such a great place here. It’s going ahead and there is such a good feeling about the people using this space. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful facility,’’ Ross said.
Community House, which opened in 2016, is run by a board of volunteers. Located on Cass St, it works with 152 organisations, 40 of which are regular tenants. Almost 20,000 people accessed its facilities, which also includes rooms for hire, in the last financial year.
‘‘My role is to ensure that Community House is functioning well and meeting the needs of the community we serve,’’ Ross said.
‘‘Our board is made up of really good people, with great skills who invest their time and knowledge in the community,’’ he said.
Ross was enjoying meeting the many people coming through the doors, and seeing co-operation between agencies.
‘‘I’m fortunate to be following on and continuing the great work done by those who have held the role before me.’’
Jess Wilson was previously in the role, and John Driscoll before that.
Ross and wife Alison spent 25 years as Salvation Army officers. He has also worked for Age Concern New Zealand, the Stroke Foundation, Wellington City Mission and Aphasia New Zealand and ME Auckland. He continues to work remotely with the latter today.
