This week has brought welcome news for our community, with Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House reopening its doors after a period of uncertainty.
The centre on John Dory Drive, previously known as Bellarine Training and Community Hub, has always been a special place for people to learn, create and connect.
When it closed last month, the absence was felt right across Ocean Grove.
I heard from many residents who told me how much they missed their programs, the friendships they had formed, and the sense of belonging they felt at the hub.
These conversations showed that the Neighbourhood House is a much-loved community asset, and that its support for training, youth groups and a wide range of other local programs would be sorely missed.
I am so pleased City of Greater Geelong has been able to step in and help bring it back to life.
After the previous operator entered voluntary administration, council has temporarily taken over operations to ensure this important community space can continue.
Since then, the City’s team has been working steadily behind the scenes to prepare the building for reopening, making sure it is safe, welcoming and ready for people to return.
Classes, workshops and community programs will be reintroduced in stages as the City works to understand which former facilitators and community groups wish to return to the timetable and what programs are in highest demand.
We’re taking a careful approach to make sure the new program reflects what people most want, and that programming remains sustainable in the long term.
To help us lock in a new program as quickly as possible, we encourage former users, facilitators and community groups interested in resuming activities, or discussing future programs, to get in touch at communitystrengthening@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
Updates about which programs are resuming will also be shared on the City’s social media channels over the coming weeks.
I want to sincerely thank the Ocean Grove community for your patience and support during this transition.
Your voices, advocacy and your belief in the value of this House have helped to secure its future.
Neighbourhood houses play such an important role in local life. They provide opportunities for connection, learning and mutual support that help make our communities stronger.
When we invest in them, we invest in the wellbeing of our entire community.
The reopening of Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House represents a renewed opportunity to strengthen local connections and celebrate everything that makes our town such a vibrant and caring place to live.
I am grateful to everyone who has contributed, from the City staff preparing the site to the residents who held steadfast in their desire to see the doors open again.
It’s wonderful to see the community’s advocacy efforts rewarded and I have no doubt Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House will continue to grow as a place of opportunity and inclusion.
I look forward to seeing Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House return to its thriving self as its rooms once again fill with learning, laughter and conversation in the coming months.
