Hooray for Neighbourhood Houses

I AM REGULARLY asked by people in Geelong how can they help in their local community.

The City of Greater Geelong is home to more than 20 Community Centres and Neighbourhood Houses.

Many people in our community use these facilities for all manner of diverse purposes, including: learning courses; computer and internet access; language programs; food & cooking; arts & craft; music; pottery; personal training groups; workshops; demonstrations; exhibitions; information and referral services.

The facilities and services at these venues include meeting rooms, playgroups and childcare, library opportunities and office services.

But there are still so many people in the community who are not aware of the value they provide.

Our Neighbourhood Houses play a critical role in creating and fostering our healthy and connected communities.

They are an inclusive and welcoming space for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds and importantly, they bring people together for a range of affordable education, recreation, health and social activities.

I am often blown away by the sheer level of commitment given by the staff and volunteers who keep these venues running.

Their time and energy are what helps to sustain these community assets and their kind-heartedness and warmth can sometimes be the pick-me-up that a person needs just at the right time.

At an individual and community level, neighbourhood houses and community centres strengthen connections for people who are often in need of that in their lives.

Having a safe and suitable meeting space is something that really matters to the most vulnerable members of our community, and Council is proud to provide peppercorn leases and grants to help cover the operating costs of these venues.

Part of the reason Neighbourhood Houses provide such incredible value is because the organisers know how to maximise the potential use of our public facilities.

But it takes a lot to keep these facilities running and that is why I want to encourage people, particularly the younger generation, to become involved with their local neighbourhood house.

I recently attended the Cloverdale annual general meeting, and they are an excellent example of a Community Centre doing amazing work in the local community.

However, it became apparent at the meeting that they are experiencing vacancies on their Committee of Management, and sadly this appears to be a trend across many of our Neighbourhood Houses.

There are some excellent opportunities for people starting their working life in the Geelong region to use the skills they have from education to further develop professionally by enhancing their experience by giving back to their local communities now.

Of course, retired people and those still in the workforce with more experience already, and who are wishing to consider giving back to their local community should put their hand up and become a member of a Committee of Management too.

I strongly encourage all to get involved.

In fact, the more diverse mix a committee has is often the best outcome as it means a broader cross-section of the community is represented and the voices that can sometimes go unheard have the opportunity to be amplified.

So my call to action is this: if you are someone with a community focus who has thought about how you can give back to your community, consider joining a local Neighbourhood House or Community Centre as a committee member.

There are 22 in our region, which can be found via typing in the following link at geelongaustralia.com.au/neighbourhoodhouses

I know they would all welcome your interest with open arms.

Cr Anthony Aitken

Deputy mayor,

City of Greater Geelong