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The heart of the house

21/7/2022

5 Comments

 
PictureIain Ritchie was the steady rock and guiding hand for
so much good stuff that happened in our community.
By Pat Atkinson
 
IAIN Ritchie had been manager of Mitchell House for four years when he died suddenly last week at the age of 61. Friends and colleagues are mourning a man who helped some of the most vulnerable people in our community, and did it with a rare grace, humility and humour.
 
So what is there to say about Iain? He was at the helm of our Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre, which covers Mitchell House and the Harvest Centre, for over four years. The over-arching theme was that he was a kind, considerate and compassionate person, dedicated to the whole precept of what community centres are all about.
 
“Iain lived and breathed his passion for social justice,” Bass Coast Deputy Mayor Leticia Laing said at this week’s council meeting. “Whether someone was new to the country, needed support to get the next meal, or just to fill out a form, Iain was on the front line of supporting the most vulnerable members of our community.”

PictureMitchell House (AKA Wonthaggi Neighbourhood House)
 “If someone came in he would find a way to help them,” said Sylvia Davey, president of Mitchell House. “No one went away empty handed. Sometimes people came in with nowhere to stay. Iain always made sure they at least went into the kitchen and had a bowl of soup or cup of tea or coffee.”
 
She said some regulars came in to Mitchell House every day because it was such a welcoming place where they felt comfortable. Despite the pressures of his job, Iain never lost his cool and seemed to be able to do five things at once. “Iain was the most calm and patient person. You never felt he was hurrying you off.”

Iain was heavily involved with several of the groups operating from Mitchell House, including a multicultural women’s group. “He helped them apply for houses, directed them to English lessons, among other things,” Sylvia says. “They are devastated at the loss.”
 
Chris, a volunteer at Mitchell House, remembers “a good boss, a good listener, sympathetic and supportive. He led by example in relating to the people who came through our doors.”
 
Jessica Harrison, a co-ordinator of the Harvest Centre community garden, was involved with several projects at Mitchell House, including Cosy Homes and Housing Matters. She said Iain encouraged any ideas that would assist the community, and then provided the practical assistance to get them off the ground, assisting with grant applications, IT skills and public liability cover.
 
On a personal level, said Jessica, he was also supportive. “When I’ve had a few upsets, he’s been there to let me wind down.”

PictureThe Fixit Cafe at the Harvest Centre
Hilary Stuchbery said Iain was indispensable in getting the Fixit Café it off the ground. ”He steered the project until it was established, ensuring that people and resources were in place to make it the success that it is today.”
 
Never quite stepping back, he could often be seen at the Harvest Centre on the third Sunday of the month, helping to set up for the Fixit Cafe and making coffees for visitors.  Nothing was too much trouble.
 
Felicia Di Stefano, co-ordinator of South Gippsland Rural Australians for Refugees, said Iain never said no when her group asked to hold events at Mitchell House. “We needed to borrow some chairs. ‘Certainly, you’re welcome.’ We wanted to hold a lunch for our refugee friends at Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre. ‘Certainly, you’re welcome.’ Iain was always there to listen and help if help was needed and the answer was always YES.”
 
Iain was a gracious man, a quiet man. When accolades were given, he was not there to gather them, preferring to be the steady rock to support burgeoning schemes or projects.
 
He had a wicked sense of humour and fabulous cooking skills. Who can deny that his scones were terrific as were his other dishes which were lauded and consumed at our free community lunches and other functions. He loved music and welcomed it in various forms at The House over the years. Perhaps this permeated the success of our ukulele group. (You never know.)
 
Vale Iain. We will miss you at the helm of Mitchell House. Through your humility and care, you were the wind beneath the wings of so many people and so many projects.
 
Iain’s funeral service will be held at Handley & Anderson Chapel, 3085 Loch-Wonthaggi Road, Wonthaggi on Friday, July 22, at 1pm. A private cremation will follow. Iain’s service will be live-streamed via Zoom. Meeting ID: 870 7918 0791. Passcode: 2022

5 Comments
Michael Green
22/7/2022 11:35:46 am

I don't think you could find a person that had more heart for their community. I had the pleasure of working with Iain over the years and I think he set an example to us all about what compassion and inclusion truly is all about.

Reply
nina debono wills
22/7/2022 04:11:01 pm

I cant say enough about our beautiful kind compassionate Iain. He was the wind below our wings in the community at large. He will be sadly missed and difficult shoes to fill at Mitchell House . A great manager well loved and always found him to be caring and very supportive open and kind, whenever I worked with him on ideas suggestions or guidance. He is now a angel way up in the sky and I am sure he will be there watching over us and guiding the next person who is elected to support them too from his heaven above. Rest in Peace beautiful soul Love and Hugs from Nna - living in Malta but did not miss your on line service this morning here in Malta and sharing your life journey and lovely service with all who attended today. You will live forever in our hearts Iain, Bless You. Big hug Nina Debono Willsxxx

Reply
Janice Orchard
23/7/2022 09:51:29 am

I remember the day, as an out of work middle aged woman, I approached Iain as the manager of Corinella and District Community Centre and applied for a job. His reply was there were no paid positions available, but the centre really needed volunteers with office skills. And so began my time working with Iain and the great team of volunteers who would do anything for him. Seven years later I am still volunteering at the centre. We were all devastated by the sudden loss of such a beautiful man. Iain did so much for so many and asked nothing in return. He will be missed.

Reply
Coral Smith
24/7/2022 06:53:55 pm

My dear friend Iain will never be forgotten , loved working with him at Corinella Community Centre he was a joy to be with , very caring man. ❤️❤️ 💔

Reply
Clive Vernon
7/8/2022 03:29:13 am

Iain was a true gentleman- a role model for many of us males who grew up being taught to be strong and silent, but never emotional. Iain gave his all, every day. A wonderful person dedicated to our region.
Clive Vernon.

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