By Cr Bernadette Thomas
I recently enjoyed a tour of the three community centres in our City, where I was warmly welcomed by the local coordinators, who were eager to share details of their many and varied programs, and the community groups they support.
The three community centres – in Braybrook, Maribyrnong, and Maidstone – are central to cultural activities in their particular communities, and provide something for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Each centre has its own special personality but are all welcoming and vibrant, provide much needed support for our vulnerable residents, spaces for learning, and programs for people to meet, learn, and have fun! Their walls are adorned with fabulous street art and photographic projects, along with the work of course participants.
Programming has evolved over time to meet the needs of each local community. Today’s visitors can access information on sustainable parenting or self-defence for seniors, build skills by cooking with the CWA or join a creative writing class. Volunteering is encouraged with workshops often led by local experts.
Our community centre network also includes a number of Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres (in West Footscray, Yarraville, Braybrook/Maidstone, and Footscray) which are run by not for profit groups, providing a safe space for connecting with others and accessing a wide range of community and health and wellbeing services.
Combined, the community centres and neighbourhood houses offer a selection of courses including art and craft, dance and music, lifestyle and sustainability, health and wellbeing, and kids and family.
These centres aim to be “responsive, inclusive, relevant, and accessible”, and that has certainly been my experience. Why not drop in one day to experience all of this for yourself. You might get a nice surprise!
