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About the House | ||||||||||||||
Who we are Committee Vice President: Cheryl Phillips
Ordinary Members: Kat Jenkins, Tim Connell Mission Statement The Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House is a community-based and -managed organisation where people meet to participate in a variety of social, supportive and educational programs, activities and services. In addition, we support inidividuals, agencies and groups in order to foster positive development and a sense of community spirit. We are a viable organisation with positive and effective management. We are committed to professional growth, without compromising our values. We respond to the expressed needs of our community and aim to be affordable and accessible to all. We actively encourage community involvement and representation. We are committed to providing a welcoming environment where every person is valued and accepted. 1. To contribute to the development of a sense of community spirit and involvement within the Kinglake district. 2. To organise and co-ordinate courses, sessions and groups that are relevant to the community and that respond to identified community needs and issues. Benefits to You * Safe and supportive learning environment What We Do KRNH offers programs targeted at every sector of the community, with all age groups represented across a range of activities including general leisure and recreation programs, health and exercise activities and adult learning programs. The House delivers two semesters of activities each year, comprising approximately 160 course and attracting just over 1200 enrolments per annum. KRNH sits on three acres of land and surrounded by parkland. Our History In 1978, members of local community groups and interested individuals came together to discuss the building of a community centre. A steering committee was formed, resulting in the formation of an umbrella group, the Kinglake District Community Association (KDCA). Funding was made available from the Department of Human Services for the employment of a Community Development Worker for 5 hours each weel. Surveys were conducted and a profile of the community's needs was developed. A community centre, comprising of a senior citizens lounge, craft room, hall, kitchen and servery, was completed in 1985. Following this success the KDCA sought community support for the construction of an indoor sports stadium, adjacent to the community centre. The stadium was completed in 1991 and at that time the management of the centre was handed over to the newloy formed Kinglake Community Centre Committee of Management, a delegation of the then Shire of Yea, now the Shire of Murrindindi. Funding was obtained, through the State Government's Neighbourhood House Coordination Program, to develop the Kinglake Neighbourhood House. The House's first program of adult education activities was launched in 1990, operating from an office in the community centre. In 1994, the KDCA changed its name to become the Kinglake District Neighbourhood House Inc (KDNH). 1990 also saw KDCA successful in obtaining Adult Community and Further Education Funds (ACFE) The house still receives funding from ACFE for Vocational, prepartory and literacy courses. Continuing its role supporting and meeting the needs of its community, the Kinglake District Neighbourhood House quickly outgrew its limiting quarters, and in 1995 relocated its operations to the old Kinglake Primary School, seeking funds and donations to refurbish the building. The building was offically opened by Marie Tehan, Minister for Health In 1998 an outreach program was developed for the community of Toolangi, which had been absorbed into the newly formed Murrindindi Shire Council, as a result of local government amalgamations. KDNH employed a Coordinator to work with community volunteers to develop programs and activities. In 2001, Toolangi Community House successfully applied for its own funding and is now operating under its own committee of management. In 2002 due to current trends, a decision was made to change our name from Kinglake District Neighbourhood House to Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House. This change encouraged other local community groups to follow suit. The name Kinglake Ranges aligns our area with the Yarra Ranges and enhances tourism opportunities. In 2003 several residents of Flowerdale approached us to outreach to their community. As the house was unfunded an opportunity shop was established next to the Hazeldene Store to finance the operation of the house. The house is open on a weekly basis and offers computer access, classes, health and well being workshops and youth activities. The production of the monthly Flowerdale Flyer keeps residents informed and connected with their community. In January, 2007 Flowerdale Community House became incorporated and is now operating autonomously with its own committee of management. In January 2008 Flowerdale was granted 5 hours per week funding from the Department of Planning and Community Development. In 2006 the State Government changed our funding body from Human Services to the Department for Victorian Communities. This change also saw us with an increase of ten extra co-ordination hours per week and an increase in the base funding rate. DVC chnaged its name to Department of Planning and Community Development in August, 2007. This change in In 2004 the Committee of Management again recognised the need to expand both services and facilities at the Neighbourhood House to meet the growing needs of its community. The House, in conjunction with the local community, embarked on the Kinglake Community Hub Project. Success with a funding grant through the State Government Community Support Fund enable us to purchase a three bedroom house, which was relocated and joined to our exisiting building. Renovations of the entire building have been undertaken. Further funding has been sought for construction of a veranda and ampytheatre / stage area at the rear of the building. The extra room has allowed us to expand our activities and schedule multiple classes. The building was officially opened by Deputy Premier, John Twaites in October, 2006. A new look logo was also launched during our offical opening and Annual General Meeting held on the same day. Today the Kinglake ranges Neighbourhood House employs a CoOrdinator and a part-time office administration officer, delivers two semester programs of activities each year, comprising approximately 160 courses and attracting just over 1,200 enrolments per annum. KRNH oversees the operation of the Kinglake Opportunity Shop, Historical Society, Kinglake Festival and provides auspice for a number of small community groups including Landcare and the Youth Group. It enjoys the regular support of more than 50 volunteers and continues to respond to local needs and issues, and to advocate for the Kinglake Community
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