mmg.com.au

Children will have nowhere to run in times of trouble if a long-standing community group fails to attract support in Kyabram.

The Kyabram Safety House Committee is on the brink of folding after more than 25 years of community service.

Its three remaining members are appealing for new volunteers in a bid to save the local institution from closure.

The committee needs another four members to remain operational.

Secretary John Todd said volunteers only needed to give up 30 minutes of their time about eight times a year to attend a meeting.

Committee members also do not need to have children at school, or have children at all.

The program offers ‘safe houses’ marked with distinctive yellow stickers which children or other community members can go to if they feel threatened or unsafe.

Mr Todd said 23 people attended the first meeting in 1987.

Since then the committee’s support had dropped dramatically but he was still keen to see the safety initiative preserved.

‘‘If children or even adults are feeling a bit scared but do not know why they have somewhere safe to go,’’ he said.

What’s more, safety houses can be used for a safe haven for anything that scares a person.

‘‘It can be as simple as being chased by a magpie or being annoyed by a dog,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s not just for children. It’s for anyone.

‘‘Even if because of the signs one child is saved from being abducted or injured, an input of about 10 hours a year is well worth the program running.

‘‘There is a need for a place where people can run to if they are in trouble or need help.’’

People interested in finding out more about the Safety House Committee should phone either Mr Todd on 58522746, Naomi Cartwright (58523632) or Les Giles (58531082).