The Winchelsea Community House AGM last week was a real inspiration - hearing from the groups and activities that are part of Winch House, what they've been doing and achieving, and how many people are involved. From the Men's Shed making all sorts of items (grab one of their "Twinkle Trees" on a Wednesday morning!), Conquer the Corrugations helping mental health, Hesse Rural Health addressing food insecurity, this year's bigger-than-ever Christmas in Winchelsea campaign, reinvigoration of Winchelsea Youth Leisure Drop-In (WYLD), to the Wensleydale Rural Community Group building social connection, there is so much good stuff.
Anglesea Community House, Lorne Community House, Torquay Community House and Deans Marsh Community Cottage fill the same vital purpose in our Shire communities - "bringing people together to connect, learn and contribute to their local community through social, educational and support activities".
Alas, State government funding is woefully short of where it should be and falling behind. The government, the opposition, other parties/independents, none are committing to support such important resources. The Shire provides a lot of support via premises, annual funding, publicity and events - certainly doing its bit.
If you aren't familiar with your local community house, call in and find out what's going on. Stuff you can do, groups you can join, passions you can follow, and if you have skills and life experience (so that would be you!) you could even help out by volunteering. It's a very rewarding place.