Connect, participate and learn at Ballarat East Neighbourhood House

EUREKA Hall is buzzing with fun, social activity, now home to the new Ballarat East Neighbourhood House.

Offering social interest groups and a range of health, nutrition, wellbeing, fitness, arts and craft, history and gardening activities for adults, the house began taster sessions in August in response to things the community wanted to try.

Having set up the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House from scratch, Kate Owen said the facility has one key purpose.

“It’s really to provide opportunities for people to connect, participate and learn,” she said.

With 36 volunteers involved in setting up activities or sharing their skills and knowledge, there’s lots planned at the Stawell Street base and beyond for term four.

Tai Chi classes and history forums run regularly, a learn to crochet class is planned for next Wednesday, 13 November, a drawing class will run the week after, and a Ballarat Community Garden visit is set for later in the month.

Laura Shearer has been making the most of activities on offer and said it’s a very welcoming space.

“It’s great to meet other people, and the staff are lovely, very helpful and kind,” she said. “It’s absolutely met expectations, it’s great.”

Annette Harvey enjoyed a Neighbourhood House in Melbourne for five years before she moved to Ballarat. She was excited to discover the new centre and take up Tai Chi.

“Neighbourhood Houses are fabulous. It’s not judgemental either,” she said. “I couldn’t believe there’s one just up the road from where we live.”

Find the facility and its activities list online at facebook.com/BallaratEastNH or at its brand-new website, ballarateastnh.org.au.