Frankston City celebrates its fantastic Neighbourhood Houses

Published on 12 May 2021

Frankston City’s vibrant community centres and neighbourhood houses are at the heart of our diverse communities.

North West Ward Cr Steven Hughes said this was particularly evident during last year’s lockdowns when our community centres went “above and beyond” to support locals and maintain vital community connections.

Cr Hughes said: “Our community centres and neighbourhood houses offered amazing support to the community during 2020 and we couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and dedication.

“From welfare calls to locals, continued delivery of childcare (where possible), online learning and program delivery, donations to emergency relief organisations, social media connections and providing critical information to the community – our community centres were at the frontline of support and community connectivity.

“They do us all proud – none more so than the fantastic team at Belvedere Community Centre in Seaford, who stood tall during 2020 with one inspirational volunteer alone making and donating 1350 masks,” Cr Hughes said.

Cr Hughes invited the community to celebrate, honour and recognise our neighbourhood houses as part of Neighbourhood House Week (8 – 14 May), which in 2021 has the theme 'Honouring our Community Heroes during COVID'.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to shine the light on those who did so much to support others during this unprecedented time,” Cr Hughes said.

Belvedere Community Centre Manager, Meredith MacKenzie, described 2020 as a year like no other, adding the Centre’s doors may have been closed during parts of last year, however, the team was dedicated to “creating a confident and connected community”.

Ms MacKenzie added: “Our amazing volunteers never stopped giving in 2020 – making 1940 face masks, as well as 300 ‘ear mask buddies’ crocheted or knitted. This enabled us to donate to 14 local organisations with 1350 masks made by one remarkable volunteer!

“Our Facebook posts reached over 70,000 people with fun facts, videos, helpful information and importantly, shared many laughs.

“We also delivered over 140 hours of adult education online including English as an Additional Language, Computers, Introduction to Medical Reception and Literacy for people with a learning disability,” Ms MacKenzie said.

Ms MacKenzie said Belvedere’s social support included delivering care packages with food, puzzles and videos, as well as over 500 phone calls checking on the welfare of locals and referring them to appropriate services as required.

She said feedback from the community during 2020 had been heart-warming with locals praising the kindness, support and opportunities to keep learning.

Ms MacKenzie added: “Belvedere is a friendly centre located off Seaford Rd. We offer a wide variety of activities for children and adults at low cost including our popular English classes for people wanting to improve their literacy.

“From playgroups and computer classes to craft and recreation groups we try to find something for everyone.”

Belvedere Community Centre is one of five independently-run community houses which Frankston City Council supports and maintains to help build and strengthen communities. Council directly manages another four Community Houses.

For more information about Frankston City’s community centres and neighbourhood houses, please visit https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Things_To_Do/Community_Centres_and_Neighbourhood_Houses