Community centres celebrated

FOR Kerry Parry, the Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre has become a safe space for the community to gather again.

Ahead of Neighbourhood House Week starting next Monday, Ms Parry, coordinator of LGNC, said people were slowly making their return and breaking down barriers of social isolation.

“People have, bit by bit, cautiously come back through the door,” she said.

This year’s Neighbourhood House Week theme is building resilience by bringing people together and for LGNC, that has focused on encouraging people to take part in one of their many activities.

“It’s about us trying to reassure people that we are providing as safe a space as we possibly can,” Ms Parry said.

“Building resilience for people to reconnect socially, sometimes you need someone to come alongside you to say ‘hang in there’.

“Once you’ve broken the ice of walking in the door, you’ll actually find it’s a safe place, you can enjoy yourself and feel way better.”

Social offerings include a Chatty Cafe, cooking classes, a card making group and community garden and there’s also an opportunity to get active with yoga and chair yoga, and a walking group.

Free pantry items, toiletries, books, DVDs and sporting equipment is also available, as well as phone and computer classes, and help with complex forms like Centrelink or rental papers.

“I see us as being a bit like a train station, we’re kind of a conduit to other places,” Ms Parry said.

“It’s not about us being all things to all people, it’s about us helping people to connect in with whatever’s around the place. That, to me, is really important.

“To me, we’re all part of society together and the broader Bendigo community, so no matter where people are from, they’re welcome.”