Committee planning for future growth

PORTARLINGTON Neighbourhood House (PNH) expects to see increased community engagement in the coming months as Portarlington locals emerge from lockdown.

The Committee of Management at PNH has seen an increase in members and engagement in the lead-up to its annual general meeting and is making plans accordingly.

President of PNH, Marg Jucker, said membership involvement and growth has been extraordinary despite COVID lockdowns, with plans to start hosting activities off-site in order to accommodate the growing number of members.

“We’ve got 60 hours of activities a week currently, when we’re open,” Ms Jucker said.

“There’s everything from exercise groups to chess to all sorts of activities, there’s something there that suits everyone.”

Ms Jucker said PNH had 550 members and the committee hoped to encourage more of the younger generation to join.

Between lockdowns, PNH held a wildly popular Trivia Night at Parks Hall for the Portarlington community to bring people together.

Member of the Committee of Management, Dr Anne Whisken, said in the face of lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions PNH had maintained a strong membership base with locals keen for a return to programs once vaccination rates ensure safe gatherings again.

“When we reopened people just flocked in, they couldn’t wait to get back,” Dr Whisken said.

“The committee hopes to maintain membership but also to reach out to new members and make sure we meet the needs of the Portarlington community.”

PNH has opened next month’s AGM up to the general Portarlington community, where PNH members will select new committee members and key office bearers for the coming year.

The PNH AGM will be held on October 22 at 5.30pm at Parks Hall and will be followed by refreshments and time for socialising.