Yarrawonga and Mulwala Community and Learning Centre opened a new outdoor area as it marked Neighbourhood House Week last Friday.
Damaged by floods, the outdoor area was unveiled after contributions from the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, volunteer labour – painting and laying lawn – from handymen within the Yarrawonga Mulwala Rotary Club and timber, panels and labour from Bunnings Yarrawonga activities organiser Tim Roadley, and additional work from Mick Combridge and Jason Williams.
The garden abuts YMCLC’s community centre which also houses the non-profit group’s registered training facilities, Moira Foodshare’s Yarrawonga outlet and Services Australia facilities, the latter of which are open 9am to 4pm weekdays.
“I love this space, I’m so proud of it, it will be welcomed by all our staff as well as our training and Services Australia participants,” YMCLC executive officer Julie-Anne Clarke said.
Ms Clarke said the outdoor area – which includes barbecue and pizza oven – will be also used as part of the group’s social programs including around youth engagement, disability support and its migrants program (which includes new residents of Yarrawonga).
YMCLC board member Bruce Pigdon, OAM, said the centre was going from strength to strength with a bumper program offering in 2024 including short courses, nationally accredited training courses, community programs and visiting services, including around housing and finances.
“I do believe it’s going to make an even greater impact on our community,” he said.
He said the growing organisation – located in McLean Street – was still hopeful it could expand to the old primary school site in the town.
“That’s in a state of flux at the moment but I think, eventually, it will happen,” he said.
Earlier, YMCLC hosted a ‘talking cafe’ across the street at its learning centre where Moira Shire administrator Graeme Emonson spoke about his role at council, his career background and his nine-year connection to the Yarrawonga community, with about 20 participants encouraged to do likewise at the event.
The Neighbourhood House Week – YCMLC was formerly known as Yarrawonga Neighbourhood House – had a theme ‘stronger, together’ with its network of associated groups committed to helping, directing and supporting people ‘in many areas of living’.