Welcome back to the house

NEIGHBOURHOOD houses and centres play such an important role in our communities across Geelong and the Bellarine.

They’re places where people connect, strike up lifelong friendships and enjoy their favourite hobbies and activities alongside likeminded individuals.

To the north of the Bellarine, Springdale Neighbourhood Centre welcomes more than 900 people through its doors weekly, while the Leopold Community & Learning Centre also serves as a focal point for its community.

In my ward, Connewarre, we’re fortunate to have the Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House.

For more than 40 years this neighbourhood house has provided a treasured space for locals to come together, learn, create and build community spirit.

But last year the venue, then known as Bellarine Training and Community Hub, closed temporarily after the then operator entered voluntary administration.

The City of Greater Geelong, recognising the significance of the Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House to the local community, quickly stepped in to temporarily oversee operations.

As the local councillor, I was proud that we were able to act swiftly and ensure the venue could reopen just months after the closure.

And I’ve been delighted to hear the positive community feedback as regular programming returns.

Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House has just released its program for next month, and I’m excited to say it’s got plenty of fun activities and courses for people of all ages and abilities.

Whether you’re keen to stay “Fit Forever” or build strength with over-50s fitness classes, or keep your body and mind active through tai chi, yoga or Mahjong, there’s something for everyone.

Creative types can explore adult watercolour painting, while younger creatives can get artistic too with after-school art classes for kids.

If you enjoy fixing things or have clothing or devices in need of some care, the Repair Café might be just what you’re after.

This grassroots initiative brings together local tinkerers and fixers to breathe new life into well-loved items and keep them out of landfill.

Prefer knitting or macramé? The house’s popular “Crafternoon” sessions could be a seamless fit for you.

And let’s not forget the vital employment and counselling services Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House offers, which can be life-changing for jobseekers and others in need of a hand up.

I encourage everyone to explore the new program of courses, classes and activities, starting Monday, February 2, by heading to geelong.link/OGNH online. No bookings are required, and all activities are either free or low-cost.

I’d also like to acknowledge the house’s new co-ordinator, Stella Kinsella, for her dedication to connecting with locals and former users to put this program together and get this fantastic community asset up and running again.

The house still has rooms available for hire for those looking to run community activities or programs so, if you’re interested, please email [email protected]

I can’t wait to see the new program come to life and our community enjoying this much-loved local venue. I might even see you there!