New TCH coordinator ready to re-engage Torquay

TORQUAY Community House (TCH) is excited for fresh and exciting new ideas after welcoming a new coordinator to 14 Price Street.

The house farewelled its previous coordinator, Laura Connor, after more than 20 years of service, but newly appointed coordinator Kahlee Kendrick is ready to get stuck into some new community initiatives despite having “big shoes to fill”.

“I am really excited to get to work with a lot of our great volunteers and I hope to expand people’s confidence, promote wellness and social inclusion particularly after COVID, and get people out and about,” Ms Kendrick said.

Ms Kendrick has dealt with many members of community houses in the past, working as a housing program coordinator and a case manager for Diversitat’s Humanitarian Settlement Program from 2017 to 2021, so she knows better than most just how beneficial an organisation like TCH can be.

“One of the biggest things about the Torquay role when I applied is the fact that I am also a Torquay local and I’ve always wanted to work more with the community down here,” Ms Kendrick said.

“I also have a five-year-old girl and she is going to grow up in this community, so being able to bring a positive, new vibe here will be really exciting.

“In addition, the house has been doing some really great things that more people could be aware of, so it would be really great if I could be involved with that and help inform more people about our programs.”

Chairperson of TCH Rhonda Anchen mentioned that when the house was seeking a new coordinator, the board had a very particular criteria when looking at applicants.

“Most importantly it had to be someone with a vision and a community heart,” Ms Anchen said.

“We here at the house are eager to see what new ideas Kahlee will bring to Torquay and on behalf the staff, the board of management and the volunteers we are ecstatic to have her as a part of our team.

“The really important thing to do coming into the role is to address the needs of our long-term supporters of the house and also to promote and attract a new demographic, such as transitioning parents and retired residents who are new to the area.”

Ms Kendrick will also have the ability to work alongside Community Houses Australia’s Barwon network, which includes a regional network of 27 houses in the Surf Coast Shire and the Bellarine Peninsula.