Matt Hewson
Geelong West Neighbourhood House (GWNH) is one of nine DHHS-recognised community hubs that have received grants of up to $4,000 from the City to provide festive programs and events throughout the Geelong region.
The City’s grant will be used by GWNH to throw a Christmas party this evening (Friday, December 16) for its staff, participants and community members.
GWNH coordinator Lisa Young said these kinds of events were important to community centres such as theirs.
“Everyone’s really thrilled, we haven’t received this grant before,” she said.
“We have a lot of older people that attend our house and in the community, and sometimes they don’t participate in things because money can be a bit of a drawback, a bit of a disadvantage.
“So to be able to provide this kind of event as a thank you is quite significant. The grant will provide all the catering, so we don’t expect people to bring anything or pay for anything.
“For them to be able to come along and just receive is huge.”
Councillor Peter Murrihy said the work that community organisations such as GWNH did in the community was vital.
“Neighbourhood Houses offer a wide range of learning opportunities and initiatives, help to prevent isolation and address disadvantage,” Cr Murrihy said.
“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.”
Ms Young said she was looking forward to seeing all the different parts of the GWNH community come together to celebrate.
“We’re really thrilled to have such a diverse range of people coming together and connecting,” she said.
“Probably 80 percent of our participants are in the older age bracket. We also have a number of people that have disabilities that are part of our community.
“So for them all to come together as one will be fantastic.”
