Grants bring seasonal joy to Neighbourhood Houses

NEIGHBOURHOOD Houses across the City of Greater Geelong are getting into the Christmas spirit thanks to financial support from the city.

Last week, the city announced nine Neighbourhood Houses in the municipality would receive funding through the city through its Christmas in the Community Grants.

The nine houses, all accredited by the Department of Health and Human Services, received up to $4,000 to stage festive programs, events and initiatives for the community, such as catering for functions, hampers and purchase of decorations:

The grant recipients were:

• Cloverdale Community Centre
• Geelong West Neighbourhood House
• Leopold Community & Learning Centre
• Norlane Community Centre
• Portarlington Neighbourhood House
• Rosewall Community Centre
• South Barwon Community Centre
• Springdale Community Centre and
• Vines Road Community Centre.

Some of the centres have already put their grants to work. Rosewall Community Centre in Corio hosted a free Christmas Family Movie Night at Hendy Street Hall on Saturday, and the Vines Road Community Centre in Hamlyn Heights opened its doors for a free Christmas Morning Tea on Wednesday this week.

Chair of the council’s finance portfolio, Cr Anthony Aitken, said the Christmas in the Community Grants provided greater equity and inclusion for festive celebrations across the municipality.

“This grant program was introduced to reflect the diversity of Geelong and that not all communities celebrate Christmas.

“Our local Neighbourhood Houses have embraced this concept and these grants have developed a way for everyone to participate in Christmas celebrations if they want to, regardless of their postcode and personal beliefs.

“During this festive time, Council wants to help Neighbourhood Houses bring together local community members of all backgrounds, including seniors, refugees, new parents and members of multicultural communities to share peace, love and joy.”

Cr Peter Murrihy said Neighbourhood Houses did vital work in Greater Geelong.

“Neighbourhood Houses offer a wide range of learning opportunities and initiatives, help to prevent isolation and address disadvantage.

“We know that for some, Christmas can be a challenging time, so we hope that these Council-funded activities will bring joy and make people feel special and included.”

For more information on the Christmas events and programs running in Neighbourhood Houses, head to the Events Geelong website at geelongaustralia.com.au/events/default.aspx or contact your local Neighbourhood House.

For more information on the city’s Community Grants program, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/grants/default.aspx