Nine Neighbourhood Houses will host special Christmas celebrations this December after receiving a Christmas in the Community Grant from the City of Greater Geelong.
The DHHS-recognised Neighbourhood Houses were awarded up to $4,000 to deliver festive programs, events and initiatives for the community, such as catering for functions, hampers and purchase of decorations:
- Cloverdale Community Centre;
- Geelong West Neighbourhood House;
- Leopold Community & Learning Centre;
- Norlane Community Centre
- Portarlington Neighbourhood House
- Rosewall Community Centre
- South Barwon Community Centre
- Springdale Community Centre and
- Vines Road Community Centre.
The grants are being used in a range of clever and creative ways, with Corio's Rosewall Community Centre putting on a free Christmas Family Movie Night at Hendy Street Hall on Saturday 10 December from 6:00pm. Bookings are essential - book online now.
The Vines Road Community Centre in Hamlyn Heights is welcoming community members to a free Christmas Morning Tea on Wednesday 14 December at 10:00am.
For more information on the Christmas events and programs running in Neighbourhood Houses, please visit Events Geelong or contact your local Neighbourhood House.
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken, chair of Council's Finance portfolio
The Christmas in the Community Grants provide greater equity and inclusion for festive celebrations across the municipality.
This grant program was introduced to reflect the diversity of Geelong and that not all communities celebrate Christmas.
Our local Neighbourhood Houses have embraced this concept and these grants have developed a way for everyone to participate in Christmas celebrations if they want to, regardless of their postcode and personal beliefs.
During this festive time, Council wants to help Neighbourhood Houses bring together local community members of all backgrounds, including seniors, refugees, new parents and members of multicultural communities to share peace, love and joy.
Councillor Peter Murrihy
Neighbourhood Houses do vital work in Greater Geelong.
Neighbourhood Houses offer a wide range of learning opportunities and initiatives, help to prevent isolation and address disadvantage.
We know that for some, Christmas can be a challenging time, so we hope that these Council-funded activities will bring joy and make people feel special and included.
