On Saturday, 31 May, the Emerald community and neighbours from surrounding areas came together to celebrate the official opening of Fernlea Community House, a place rebuilt from the ground up with heart, determination, and the generosity of a community that refused to give up.
The transformation is nothing short of remarkable. What started as a humble day respite centre in Emerald for people with cancer has grown into something much bigger.
Over the years, Fernlea has extended its reach to include flexible respite services, a centre in Pakenham, and even a thriving op shop on Kilvington Drive – where every dollar raised helps fund essential support for locals. Now, in a heartfelt response to the closure of the original Emerald Community House, Fernlea has stepped up once again.
“When I heard Emerald Community House was closing, I was really concerned,” Fernlea’s chief executive officer, Sarah Cole said.
“Community houses offer more than just services – they’re places where people feel at home. I didn’t know exactly how we’d do it, but I knew we’d find a way.”
What followed was an extraordinary effort. The building was nearly empty, stripped of furniture and equipment, and needed work to be brought up to code. But instead of being disheartened, Ms Cole, along with new house manager Kerry and a team of dedicated volunteers, rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
“We had to beg, borrow and, well, not steal – but certainly call in every favour we could,” Ms Cole said.
“Almost everything inside now has been donated, upcycled, or purchased second-hand. It’s truly a community-built space, and that makes it all the more special.”
The revamped community house offers much-needed services – from free courses and workshops to communal events and a welcoming drop-in space. All of this was shaped through consultation with locals and support from Cardinia Shire Council.
For Ms Cole, this moment is deeply personal.
“This is one of the proudest moments of my career, the values at the heart of community houses – connection, growth, inclusion – are the same ones we’ve always had at Fernlea. It feels like the most natural extension of what we do,” she said.
Support from the community has poured in – from donated goods to helping hands. One moment that sticks with Ms Cole was the kindness of local painter Colin Cooksley, who saw a social media post and volunteered three full weeks of his time.
“He hadn’t even met us, but he just turned up and made it happen. That’s the kind of spirit we’ve been surrounded by,” she said.
While the last 18 months have been intense – juggling the demands of Fernlea’s other services like respite care, the op shop, and the food-is-free pantry – Ms Cole finds strength in her personal journey.
“I came to Fernlea after caring for my mum, who had dementia. This organisation helped save my sanity back then. That experience, and my family, still ground me every day,” she said. “I want a kinder world for my kids, and I believe this is how we help build it,” Ms Cole said.
Saturday’s opening was a moment to breathe, reflect, and celebrate. Visitors described the house as “warm,” “safe,” and “beautiful” – words Ms Cole doesn’t take lightly.
“That feedback meant everything, it showed us we’d created the space people were hoping for,” she said.
Fernlea Community House will be what the community needs it to be – a space that grows with its people.
“We’re listening,” Ms Cole said.
“This isn’t about any one person. It’s about what the community wants – whether it’s friendship, a learning opportunity, or just somewhere to feel seen and supported.”
There are already plans to expand support for people experiencing homelessness and those doing it tough, all with dignity at the core. From soft towels and care packs to a pantry designed to feel inviting and respectful, every detail matters.
“Seeing our respite guests mingling with others in the community on Saturday… that’s what it’s all about,” Ms Cole said.
“Keeping people connected. That’s how we make a difference.”
And now, with its doors open and its heart full, Fernlea Community House stands as proof of what’s possible when a community comes together – not for glory, but for each other.
