By Mikayla van Loon
As the establishment of a Mooroolbark Community House comes to life, the next stages of engaging with the community about ideas, hopes and visions for the space are about to be embarked on.
Hoping to bring a range of individuals together on Thursday 24 October, representatives from Yarra Ranges Council and the Mooroolbark Umbrella Group (MUG) will lead this steering committee information evening in a discussion about the future of the house.
MUG president Randall Bourchier said being in the early stages of the process, the thoughts and input of the community will be integral to the development of programs and classes.
“We’re actually looking for people who have an interest in community, who would like to explore and suggest and dream about what this place could be,” he said.
“We’re simply trying to get ideas and input and that energy from all across the community so we can dream big about what it will become.”
The session will be divided into an introduction from Mr Bourchier, newly appointed house coordinator Renae Jones and council representative Santha Press before a brainstorming activity will help generate the foundations of what the house will be built on.
Wanting to not only establish a base of organised programs, Mr Bourchier said creating an invigorated community centre where people feel comfortable to pop in for conversation or a cup of tea was also at the heart of what they wanted to achieve.
Designing a community house that caters to both daytime use but also provides opportunity for after hours or weekend use too, Mr Bourchier said he hopes can be worked into the discussion to ensure young people have a sense of belonging, ownership and involvement.
He sees this as a key driver for the sustainability of the community house.
With the connections already formed through Shop 16, Goodness Gracious Network and various community groups, there is already a wealth of expertise, experience and partnerships to draw upon.
Mr Bouchier said with the leadership of Ms Jones, this can only be strengthened.
“She is just so ideally suited. She knows the community. She has a track record from Shop 16,” he said.
“She bends over backwards to accommodate people and care for them, not to mention that long history of volunteering with the Railway and Celebrate Mooroolbark, and she’s so self-effacing, and yet there’s a skill set there that’s remarkable.”
For anyone interested in sharing their voice and vision for the Mooroolbark Community House, register interest by emailing mgudze@gmail.com
The information event is scheduled for Thursday 24 October at the Mooroolbark Community Centre, 125 Brice Avenue, from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.
