Open day builds community connections

TENANTS of Barkly Square opened their doors last Saturday to showcase what their organisations have to offer.

Led by ​BGT Jobs and Training, Barkly Square is a hub that’s home to community groups including the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, the Ballarat Toy Library, the Ballarat Community Men’s Shed, and more.

At the open day, attendees met tenants, asked questions and learnt about opportunities and services.

Volunteer announcer at Voice FM, Sean Cossor, said the open day was an exciting chance to meet potential new volunteers.

“I think it’s a wonderful initiative, especially having all the tenants open like this,” he said.

“I’ve been at Voice FM for two years and I’m amazed at this hub and what it does.

“Having met a lot of the people now from the different sections and interviewing and chatting with them on the radio, it’s amazing what they are doing for the community.”

Another tenant of Barkly Square is Styled for Success, an initiative which provides professional clothes to vulnerable community members so they can attend events like job interviews.

The organisation recently moved to the ground floor of the building, and it also operates as an op shop where all money raised goes back into the program.

“We’ve been operating now for three years, and the program exists to support vulnerable people in the community who need an outfit that’s a bit more formal,” coordinator Sue Jakob said.

“It’s a free service and trained volunteers will help people actually style an outfit where they can take up to 10 items.

“[The open day] gives us an opportunity to talk to the community about the program so we can get it out there.”

Anita Murphy, who has previously volunteered with Voice FM, attended the open day and said it was great to see what the hub has to offer.

“I’m very interested in the multicultural aspects of our community and how to be inclusive,” she said.

To find out more about Barkly Square, visit barklysquare.org.au.