That was demonstrated this week with the news that the Mount Alexander Animal Welfare group had, in a short 13 months, raised enough to buy the town’s former RSPCA animal shelter.

They had been given three years to find the funds. The extra time wasn’t needed, such was the dedication of a group of caring animal lovers.

The group plans to provide a community-run, community-based place for animal care in a way that is sustainable in the long-term. 

A model kept afloat through government grants and community-based fundraising.

And a model that has been suggested could be extended to Bendigo, where the RSPCA has recently been told by the council that its services were no longer required.

The reason? The council said the RSPCA tried to drive up charges during negotiations over long-standing arrangements. The council have said they will instead run the shelter themselves - at considerable cost. That is a cost that will be borne by ratepayers.

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This paper has received a number of letters from readers wondering if this is the right choice. Questioning whether the council taking on the running of the animal shelter is the right move. Asking if there is another way. 

Yes, there is. MAAW in Castlemaine has shown that. The volunteers and staff at MAAW are to be congratulated that they picked up the ball and ran with it when the RSPCA left town ... to set up shop in Bendigo.

The MAAW op-shop –  and its coffee shop – have been a major source of funds not only for the shelter buyout but for its ongoing running costs and already planned future expansion.

The op-shop has grown, such has been the demand. With community support it can continue to flourish. And, as an added bonus, the money going through the tills will stay in the town to help those in the town.

So, if there is anybody in Bendigo who wants to pick up the baton in the same way, MAAW are primed and ready to advise. Give them a call.

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