Mooroolbark will be joining the suite of community houses in the Yarra Ranges with funding received to establish this new offering in the township.
Community advancement consortium Mooroolbark Umbrella Group (MUG) received funding from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) to get a community house up and running in Mooroolbark.
The new Community House will be situated at the Mooroolbark Community Centre, 125 Brice Avenue, which is a Yarra Ranges Council-owned facility situated close to Mooroolbark Train Station, Mooroolbark Library and Community Connect Shop 16.
MUG president Randall Bourchier said the group were delighted that the Mooroolbark Community Centre was going to be transitioning to a community house.
“The community house will serve the diverse groups and needs of those in Mooroolbark, and be a place where community can gather and take part in a wide range of inclusive activities,” Mr Bourchier said.
“There will be meeting spaces for agencies and individuals who offer services that promote social, physical and mental wellbeing, as well as spaces for the arts and more.
“We also welcome any ideas and proposals that would benefit the local community that could operate out of the Community House.
“We are grateful for the support of Yarra Ranges Council, DFFH and CHAOS (Community Houses Association of the Outer Eastern Suburbs) and we look forward to learning from the many fine examples of other community houses around the state who are willing to share their ideas and experiences.”
MUG is committed to ensuring that the recruitment of a house coordinator will seek someone with a proven track record in community, understanding and empathy for people from all walks of life, experiencing all kinds of challenges and opportunities, and someone with big picture and creative problem-solving skills.
Yarra Ranges mayor Sophie Todorov said the new community house would provide some much-needed services to the Mooroolbark community and surrounds.
“I am so incredibly excited for Mooroolbark Umbrella Group and the local community, this is going to be a wonderful addition to the community houses we have in our municipality,” Cr Todorov said.
“Mooroolbark is the largest suburb in the Yarra Ranges without a community house so this fills a significant gap that will increase social connection to help reduce isolation and loneliness, improve mental wellbeing, increase safety and build community resilience.
“The facility is well-equipped with a reception area, offices, art room, gallery, auditorium, a stage and a kitchen, so I can’t wait to see how this amazing space gets used and the great outcomes that this will have for the community.”
The next step will be to establish a Committee of Governance that is incorporated and equipped to be able to successfully manage the new community house.
Community members will start to see a gradual increase in activity at the Mooroolbark Community Centre, building on the existing activity of the long-stablished community groups who already use the space.
