The way locals have embraced everything on offer at Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House since its reopening shows just how important these spaces are for our community.
And now Mahjong mavericks, fitness fanatics, aspiring artists and more can all get their fix of fun and community connection next month with the house’s new February program.
Stay ‘Fit Forever’ or enjoy strength training with fitness classes for over 50s, get your body and mind moving with tai chi, yoga and Mahjong, or get better with water colours in adult painting classes. Young ones can get artistic with art classes for kids after school.
Perhaps you love fixing things, or you have some clothing or a device in desperate need of repair.
You could try your luck at the repair cafe – a grassroots initiative where local tinkerers and fixers come together to give beloved items a second life and prevent them going to the tip.
Or maybe you’re more into knitting or macrame – the house’s ‘Crafternoon’ sessions could be the right fit for you.
On a more serious note, Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House also offers employment and counselling services, which can be life-changing for jobseekers and others in need of a hand up.
For me, it’s especially pleasing to see a such a jam-packed program after the venue, formerly known as Bellarine Training and Community Hub, closed temporarily last year.
I was proud that we were able to step in quickly last November to temporarily oversee operations and reopen Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House.
And, as your Connewarre Ward councillor, I’ve been thrilled to hear the positive community feedback about activities recommencing.
I’d like to thank the house’s new coordinator, Stella Kinsella, for all her work connecting with locals and former users to ensure the new program offers something for a wide variety of ages, abilities and interests.
I encourage you to explore the new program of courses, classes and activities starting Monday 2 February at geelong.link/OGNH
You don’t need to book and all these activities are either free or low-cost.
The house also has rooms for hire for groups and individuals who want to run community activities and programs.
I urge former users who have yet to get in contact about resuming their activities, or those interested in starting something new, to get in touch at oceangrovenh@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
I can’t wait to see the new program get underway and for our community to make the most of this beloved venue.
