Next week, the Committee of Management, staff, and volunteers of DNC will note that twelve months have elapsed since Kate Moran came onboard as our new Manager. She is universally seen by all who have had contact with her to have breathed new life into the Centre and to turn it into a living, breathing community resource full of joy and energy.
In spite of her reluctance, we have convinced Kate to tell us a bit about herself.
I’m a musician, mother and maker with a background in community development, youth work and education. I’ve lived in the Hepburn Shire all my life.
I don’t think of the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre as just a workplace. It’s a space that belongs to the community and I feel really lucky to be part of it.
Since starting in April 2025, I’ve had incredible support from my colleague Ethen, the Committee of Management, the broader community, and a group of genuinely amazing volunteers. It’s made a big difference stepping into the role with that kind of backing, and it really reflects what this community is about.
Most days are a mix of things – planning programs, supporting volunteers, working with local groups, or just having a chat with someone who’s dropped in. No two days look the same, which suits me. What stays consistent is the sense that this place matters to people.
I see the impact in small, everyday ways … someone trying something new for the first time, people connecting over shared interests, or someone walking in unsure and leaving feeling more confident or supported. Those moments are quiet, but they add up to something important – change, a sense of pride, purpose, and place. It’s important to me that what we do here is accessible and something people can take into their own lives and homes. Where possible, we use reusable, reclaimed, or repurposed materials to keep things sustainable and inclusive.
I’m particularly excited about some of the projects we’ve been working on, including Echoes of Courage with Lily Walden and the Paddock Project. I’m also really excited about the Good Grub Club relocating to the Centre – it’s a great addition and another way for people to connect, share and feel part of something. I’m constantly inspired by, and in awe of, the volunteers in this community.
I’m also really excited to be part of reinvigorating the Arts and Recreation Centre (ARC). Building new partnerships is opening up more opportunities for activities, training and personal and career development especially for young people in the community. That feels like an important step forward.
The people are what make it. There’s a lot of generosity here – people giving their time, ideas and energy to make things happen. My role is really about supporting that, creating the space for it to grow and making sure the Centre is welcoming and accessible to everyone.
Looking ahead, I’d like to see us keep building on what we already have – stronger connections, more opportunities for people to get involved and making sure anyone who walks through the door feels like they have a meaningful place here.
At the end of the day, it’s pretty simple. It’s about people looking out for each other and being part of something local that feels real and grounded.
