ALA

Tuesday, 14 October, 2008

A NEW-LOOK HOME FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS ON FARNHAM STREET

A 20-year relationship was sealed today with the official opening of the Farnham Street Neighbourhood Centre as the new home of the Flemington Neighbourhood House and the Flemington Reading and Writing program.

Local Government Minister Richard Wynne said a $20,000 grant from the Brumby Government to pay for refurbishments to the facility would ensure the centre would be a hub for providing social and educational opportunities to people in Flemington.

“The Farnham Street Neighbourhood Centre brings together two outstanding community groups that have and will continue to provide excellent community services to people in Flemington, in a newly refurbished home,” Mr Wynne said.

“With almost 20 years of shared history and experience to draw on, the new Farnham Street Neighbourhood Centre is well placed to welcome anyone who wants to try something new.

“The sheer breadth of classes, courses, social groups and activities on offer at the Centre highlights their ability to adapt to the changing face of the local community.

“From a recognised qualification, to casual exercise and relaxation classes, social outings, book groups and playgroups, people of all ages and abilities will be able to find something to enjoy at the new Farnham Street Neighbourhood Centre.”

Mr Wynne said the centre’s entrance and reception had recently been upgraded to make access easier.

“The Brumby Government’s contribution of $20,000 through the Modernising Neighbourhood Houses Program has been put to good use to ensure that the centre remains accessible for all people,” Mr Wynne said.

Member for Melbourne Bronwyn Pike MP said it was fitting that two such important local organisations were given this boost to allow them to better serve the people of Flemington.

“This Brumby Government investment in Flemington’s Neighbourhood House is so important because these facilities provide good opportunities for local people to learn new skills to improve their employment prospects and take full part in local community life,” Ms Pike said.

“Neighbourhood Houses bring people together to build strong local social networks, particularly in places like Flemington with people from so many linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds.”

Brumby Government Modernising Neighbourhood Houses Program grants of between $10,000 and $100,000 are now available for redevelopments, capital works improvements or information technology upgrades.

For more information, or to apply for a grant, please visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au