Supporting and upskilling the community is the main focus of Stawell Neighbourhood House.

The organisation runs the community centre and hosts training for adults from upskilling for jobs through to computer skills and hobbies.

“We run adult learning like art and craft and lifestyle-type courses,” coordinator Jenny Greenberger said.

“We also have a free playgroup every Wednesday (10am to 11.30am) and run school holiday activities for primary and secondary school aged children.

“We try to cater for all the different age groups in the community.”

Stawell Neighbourhood House have been doing this since the organisation started 36 years ago.   

Since then they’ve been in various locations but now have a permanent location in the Powerhouse building at 42 Sloane Street.

With the permanent location came the start of the Community Meals project.

This feature is supported by:

Volunteers and staff from Neighbourhood House combine with volunteers from corporate volunteers and primary school leaders to bring the day together.

“It’s a real community effort,” Ms Greenberger said.

The four lunches run to date attracted more than 80 people each time.

“Everyone is welcome and people come along for a range of reasons,” Ms Greenberger said.

“It’s a great benefit to community in terms of a home cooked meal and a social outing.”

Due to the strong interest more equipment is needed which is the goal for the fundraising barbecue being held in conjunction with the sale day on Friday June 16.

They’ll be set up from 11am to 2pm outside Woolworths. The money raised will be used to purchase additional equipment for the community meals project.

Stawell Neighbourhood House has been operating for the past 36 years thanks to dedicated staff and volunteers.

For more information on volunteering or the programs on offer drop into the office or go to their Facebook page or website: snhlc.weebly.com.