Neighbourhood Centres are the heart of our communities. They bring people together to connect, learn and contribute to their local community through social, educational, recreational and support activities.

Also commonly known as community centres, learning centres, community houses or neighbourhood houses, these inclusive community-based organisations welcome people of all ages, abilities and walks of life, creating opportunities for people to enrich their lives through connections they might not otherwise make.

There are over 400 Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria, but no two Neighbourhood Houses are ever the same.  Guided by a community development approach, they each engage and respond to the needs and priorities of the communities they serve.

“Humans need others to survive. Regardless of one’s sex, country or culture of origin, or age or economic background, social connection is crucial to human development, health, and survival.” (Holt-Lunstad, Robles, & Sbarra, 2017)

The Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre (DNC) is proud to belong to this sector, providing supportive services to the Daylesford community over many decades.  We bring people within the local area together to meet, socialise, and mobilise to achieve positive community outcomes.  We strengthen community spirit, pride and connection.

Activities that have been provided found at DNC during its long history include:

  • Adult education (pre-accredited and accredited training)
  • Art and craft classes
  • Community events
  • Community lunches / Social eating groups
  • Community gardens
  • Digital literacy training
  • Food banks
  • Job seeking support
  • Health and wellbeing activities such as exercise, walking groups, yoga and tai chi
  • Internet access
  • Library or book swap services
  • Migrant support programs e.g. English classes
  • Room hire
  • Referrals
  • Self help and support groups
  • Seniors’ groups
  • Toy libraries
  • Visitor/tourist information
  • Volunteering opportunities
  • Youth programs

Community advocacy is also an important role of Neighbourhood Centres. Often we will advocate to our local Council, to MPs and to other relevant bodies on issues of importance to the Daylesford community.

We also play a key role assisting in emergency management and in building community resilience during and in the aftermath of local emergencies such as storms, bushfires and floods.

In a nutshell, The Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre is the key to our local community.  Why not drop in to see us for a chat and a cuppa?  Why not volunteer to join our work?  See our website at https://www.dncentre.org.au/ or call 53483569.

Find out more about Neighbourhood Centres at https://www.nhvic.org.au/

DNC Joke of the Week

It was once the custom for Watusi chiefs to be inaugurated on wooden thrones.  After the inauguration, the thrones were discarded.  However, a certain tribesman, who had been elected chief several times, kept all his old thrones in the top part of his grass hut.

One night the weight of the thrones caused the hut to collapse, killing him.  The moral of the story being: “He who lives in grass houses shouldn’t stow thrones.”

 

[If you’ve got a better joke, (and doesn’t everyone??) 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!]