Tag: community houses

Media Release: Maroondah’s volunteers recognised

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Time is a valuable commodity in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But time is something that Maroondah City Council’s volunteers are willing to offer every day as they assist their fellow community members and our natural environment.

Maroondah City Council hosted a special function at the Karralyka Centre on Thursday 11 November to recognise the valuable work done by the huge number of volunteers who help to support and deliver the services and facilities provided by Council.

Maroondah Mayor Councillor Alex Makin said approximately 500 volunteers who give their time to Meals on Wheels, Social Support services and Planned Activity Group, which provides support and social activities for Maroondah’s frail aged and people with disabilities, Community House Committees of Management, Wyreena Community Arts Centre, and Maroondah Art Gallery.

“In addition there are volunteers from Council’s bushland and sporting reserves who contribute their time to our natural environment and they are also to be thanked and commended for their efforts and contribution to the Maroondah community,” Cr Makin said.

“All Maroondah City Council volunteers were invited to the ceremony in recognition of the tremendous work they have achieved over the past year. Special awards were also handed out to 43 volunteers in recognition of their extended periods of service – ranging from 10 to 35 years,” Cr Makin said.

This year, there are four Meals on Wheels volunteers and one AC Robertson Reserve Committee of Management volunteer recognised for an outstanding 35 years of service.

Four volunteers, who worked with Meals on Wheels, Hughes Park Committee of Management or Heathmont Bushlinks, were recognised for 30 years of service.

A further two volunteers were recognised for 20 years of service, 12 volunteers for 15 years and 20 for 10 years of service.

Such long-term loyalty to volunteering highlights the obvious level of satisfaction and fulfilment that Council’s volunteers receive.

“The Maroondah community is indeed fortunate to have a wonderfully dedicated base of volunteers who strengthen and extend the social, environmental and cultural dimensions of our city,” Cr Makin said.

“Why not help to grow our volunteers by offering your time and skills to a variety of Council programs, such as Social Support Services where you can provide a friendly hand or ear for the frail elderly; Bushcare to help manage and improve our valuable bushland areas; Meals On Wheels; or Committees of Management for parks, reserves and community houses,” Cr Makin said.

To find out how you can make a rewarding and valuable contribution to the Maroondah community through volunteering, call Council on 1300 88 22 33.

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2010 Regional Adult Community Education Awards

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The Regional Adult Community Education Awards is a new initiative from the Adult and Community Further Education (ACFE) board to recognise excellence within community houses and learning centres in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

This evening I attended the inaugural awards which were held in the City of Whitehorse. While ACFE hosts State-wide awards for the adult education sector, the regional awards are designed to highlight local success stories. As a result, these awards provide an opportunity to highlight local success stories in adult education and to provide recognition to community houses, students and tutors.

Melbourne’s eastern suburbs are fortunate to have a number of community houses and learning centres, providing educational opportunities for adults and tailored learning for people with disabilities. It is fantastic to see ongoing excellence and innovation with community houses and I look forward to the ongoing involvement of Maroondah’s community houses within these awards.

Launch of the Redevelopment of Glen Park Community Centre

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Glen Park Community Centre is located in Glen Park Road in Bayswater North and has strong emphasis on community development, as well as providing courses for the local community. The Community Centre was recently redeveloped, through a partnership between Glen Park and SCOPE, to provide an accessible facility that can provide an inclusive environment for all people within our community.

Alex with the Arrabri Ward Councillors; Tony Dib, Paul Macdonald and Natalie Thomas along with Shaune Leane, MLC and Mike Symon, Member for Deakin, at the re-opening of the Glen Park Community Centre
Alex with the Arrabri Ward Councillors; Tony Dib, Paul Macdonald and Natalie Thomas along with Shaune Leane, MLC and Mike Symon, Member for Deakin, at the re-opening of the Glen Park Community Centre

This morning Glen Park Community Centre Council held a Picnic in the Park to celebrate the redevelopment of Glen Park Community Centre, as well with other recent improvements, including the redeveloped Sports Pavilion and the new Men’s Shed. Further improvements, such as a new play space will be completed later this year.

In addition, I was invited to launch the redeveloped Glen Park Community Centre and the speech I delivered is included in this post:
Continue reading “Launch of the Redevelopment of Glen Park Community Centre”

Media Release: Central Ringwood Community Centre upgrade unveiled

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Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan will join Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Alex Makin, to unveil a series of upgrades to Central Ringwood Community Centre on site tomorrow (20 May).

Cr Makin said the $200,000 upgrade would improve the experience of centre users.

“This project has led to the creation of a new area for community groups and the refurbishment of the existing hall, including painting. The installation of new stage stairs will be undertaken soon,” Cr Makin said.

“Other features of the upgrade works include the addition of an all-access toilet and baby change area for playgroups. A new pathway and entrance door to the centre’s lower level activity rooms have also been constructed,” Cr Makin said.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government contributed $200,000 to make this project a reality.

Central Ringwood Community Centre is a Council-owned facility administered by a committee of management.

“The recent upgrades come as wonderful news for families of the 105 children who attend the centre’s playgroup each week and community groups who use the venue,” Cr Makin said.

“They have given the centre a new lease on life and ensure that user groups will continue to enjoy high quality facilities,” Cr Makin.

Log on to Council’s website at www.maroondah.vic.gov.au/CommunityCentres.aspx to find your nearest community centre.

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Speaking to the Fab 50s Social Group

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The Fab 50s are a social group that meets at North Ringwood Community House.  The group aims to provide a social environment and alternates between off-site activities and meetings at the community house.

This morning I was invited as the guest speaker at the Fab 50s, where I discussed my involvement with the North Ringwood Community House and explained that due to the changes in the Local Government Act, I chose to resign from the committee of management, so that I could discuss matters affecting the community house within Council.

I also explained Council’s undertaking of the landowner assessment, which will begin to explore how the North Ringwood Community House could potentially exist as part of Norwood Reserve.  This initial assessment will consider the traffic and site implications, as well as discussions with the existing users. This initial assessment will help provide further details to assist in relocating North Ringwood Community House.

Given that many of the Fab 50s particiapnts live within the vicinity of Ringwood, I also discussed the importance of securing additional funding for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station.

While the State Government has announced funding for the redevelopment of the bus interchange and station forecourt, it is imperative that further funding is confirmed to ensure the creation of an integrated and accessible transport interchange.  Many of the Fab 50s participants retold their experiences with Ringwood Station and how they tend to avoid using the Station due to the steepness of the ramps and the lack of easy access.

Groups like the Fab 50s help promote social inclusion and reinforce how community houses assist in community development and empowering residents.

Wellbeing of the Sudanese Community within Maroondah

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The City of Maroondah is home to many Sudanese refugees, who settled within the municipality to start a new life within Australia. While many community organisations and facilities have welcomed the Sudanese community, they have experienced some ongoing difficulties in securing employment and housing.

This afternoon I attended a public meeting convened by the Maroondah Southern Sudanese Christian Welfare Association to discuss the ongoing difficulties faced by this community.

I was joined by the majority of my Council colleagues, as well as several State Members, so that we could hear first-hand the difficulties the Sudanese community is facing. While one of the challenges, in regard to community space, will hopefully be resolved through partnering with community houses, the challenge of affordable housing and employment, is more difficult to resolve.

All levels of government need to work together to ensure that our emerging communities are able to establish a sustainable and ongoing future within Maroondah. I will be discussing these concerns with State and Federal Members so that we can work towards some positive outcomes for the Sudanese community.

North Ringwood Community House – End of Year Barbecue

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North Ringwood Community House is currently situated at the rear of the Holy Spirit Primary School at 120 Oban Road.  The organisation provides a range of courses and is the only Community House that is accredited as a Registered Training Organisation within the City of Maroondah.

Alex with Cr. Nora Lamont, Ryan Smith MLA and Lorraine (Chairperson of the NRCH Committee of Management) at the North Ringwood Community House End of Year Barecue
Alex with Cr. Nora Lamont, Ryan Smith MLA and Lorraine (Chairperson of the NRCH Committee of Management) at the North Ringwood Community House End of Year Barecue

This accreditation means that North Ringwood Community House is able to provide courses that deliver Certificate III and IV qualifications, ensuring a range of new skills and training opportunities for our community.

This afternoon the Committee and Staff of North Ringwood Community House organised an end of year barbecue for staff and students.  Community Houses promote social inclusion, as well as the opportunity to learn skills and the barbecue reinforced the friendly atmosphere of the House.

Alex with Cr. Nora Lamont, Ryan Smith MLA and Cr. Ann Fraser at the North Ringwood Community House End of Year Barbecue
Alex with Cr. Nora Lamont, Ryan Smith MLA and Cr. Ann Fraser at the North Ringwood Community House End of Year Barbecue

I was joined by my fellow ward Councillors Nora Lamont and Ann Fraser, as well as Ryan Smith the Member of Warrandyte. It was great to see such a strong presence at the barbecue, demonstrating the community house’s importance to the City of Maroondah.

The feasibility study exploring options for the relocation of North Ringwood Community House is expected by February next year where it will be considered by Council and other levels of government.

St Stephens Community Living Centre

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St Stephens Community Living Centre, is located at 28 Freemen Street in Ringwood East and operates similarly to a Community House, with a range of classes being available within the facilities.

The Community Living Centre has an emphasis on community wellbeing and provides a range of classes covering health, fitness and creativity.

The Community Living Centre provides a community hub for residents of Ringwood East and a range of unique classes for the City of Maroondah. For further information please visit www.ssclc.websyte.com.au

Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah – Annual General Meeting

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Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah is one of two community based organisations promoting understanding and reconciliation with Indigenous Australians.

This afternoon I attended a luncheon to acknowledge the dedication of Ann Longridge, who served as convenor of the group for the past six years. Ann along with Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah has assisted in promoting the need for reconciliation within our community and ensuring that Council adopts policies that promote understanding and opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

Perhaps one of the most successful aspects of the group was its ability to demonstrate that reconciliation is relevant within all sections of our community. Members of Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah are also members of groups promoting the environment, accessibility, community houses and many other community organisations.

While the luncheon was a cause to reflect on the group, members of Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah subsequently voted to wind up the group after its twelve years of service. While it is a sad event for any group to cease existence the fact that so many different organisations are now involved with Reconciliation demonstrates the many achievements of Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah.

In addition, Maroondah Movement for Reconciliation still exists within Maroondah and will provide a group dedicated to this important cause.

North Ringwood Community House – Business Plan Workshop

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North Ringwood Community House, is located at 120 Oban Road in Ringwood and is the only community house in Maroondah that is not located on council land.

North Ringwood Community House is unique, since it is an accredited Registered Training Organisation and offers TAFE qualifications such as Certificates III and IV in areas such as Palliative Care, Aged Care and Disability Services.

As a member of the North Ringwood Community House Committee of Management, I was invited to a workshop with other committee members, tutors and staff to discuss its business plan to guide its direction over the next three years.

The workshop identified the vision for the House and helped outline objectives that we aim to achieve over the next three years. The need for a new location featured prominently and a feasibility study to determine a new location will commence, due to State and Local government funding.

The recent announcement from the State Government and its commitment to provide $25,000 for this study will ensure that it can commence. Maroondah City Council is contributing $5,000 and council staff will be working with the House to assist undertaking this work.

The outcomes from the workshop will frame the Community House’s business plan, which will later be considered by the Committee of Management for adoption. The House’s commitment to business planning demonstrates its emphasis on good governance and delivering a sustainable future within an accessible location.

A new location and premises will ensure that the House can continue to expand its services and meet the needs of the Ringwood North and Maroondah community.