Our series of stories describing the history of the Daylesford Courthouse Complex has featured events leading up to its occupation by its current user, the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre (DNC). This week we look at the pre-history of the DNC before its current ‘home’. Our thanks to the Daylesford Museum for helping us in our historical research.
Towards the latter part of 1973 when it was decided that the Holy Cross College was no longer viable, Sister Agatha Murphy, Mother Superior of the Presentation Convent developed an idea for utilising the buildings and the facilities of the College as a Community Centre.
A public meeting was called in April 1974 where it was decided to try to establish a true Community Centre where members of the Daylesford community would give of their time and talents to improve the way of life of other members of the community.
By June 1974 four groups were meeting regularly at the Centre (Embroidery Painting, Crochet, Table Tennis and Spa Trim Ladies). Films were arranged for the children during the holidays.
By August 1975, 19 individual groups had used the Centre.
By August 1976, 23 individual organisations were using the Centre on a regular basis, and a number of clubs, committees and associations were holding regular meetings there.
Dr L. Shears, Director General of Education visited during September 1976 and declared that he “was very impressed by the Centre”. High praise indeed!!
The Community Centre at the Convent formed the basis of the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre when it moved to a home in the Old Courthouse.
Next week, DNC takes up residence at the Courthouse.
Gardens for Wildlife
Hepburn Gardens for Wildlife (HG4W) is a unique partnership between the local community, Hepburn Shire Council and the Neighbourhood Centres across the Shire. You can play a key role in helping to protect our local plants, birds and animals while creating a beautiful and personal garden.
HG4W works with the community here on Dja Dja Wurrung Country to increase our knowledge, understanding of and support for wildlife and habitat creation. Hepburn Gardens for Wildlife provides trained volunteers who offer a free consultation to walk you through the steps involved in creating a wildlife friendly garden. If you would like assistance in creating a garden that attracts and protects our wildlife, contact us at Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre at admin@dncentre.org.au or call 5348 3569.
Check out their Facebook page, Hepburn Gardens for Wildlife, for more information.
Joke of the Week.
A crow was sitting high up in a tree doing nothing at all.
A young rabbit saw the crow and asked: “Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day?”
The crow answered: ‘Sure! Why not?”
So the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow and did nothing.
Suddenly, a fox appeared, grabbed the rabbit and ate it.
The moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you have to be very high up!
[If you’ve got a better joke, send it to admin@dncentre.org.au and we’ll publish it. (Remember, this is a family publication! ?). We’ll even include your name if you wish – or you can protect your anonymity!]
