Japara Neighbourhood House is celebrating its 30th year.
NEIGHBOURHOOD houses have been around for many years and offer a wide variety of classes, programs and activities.
Locals should visit their friendly local Japara Neighbourhood House to join a class, bring their child for playgroup or occasional child-care, volunteer their skills in the office or just pop in for a cuppa.
The centre offers tai-chi, community singing, guitar, recorder, art, craft, gardening, mosaics, psychic development, French polishing and walking groups.
Japara is also the meeting place for groups including Montrose Township Group, Montrose Historical Society and Montrose Lions Club.
Its new executive officer Robyn Murray has just joined the team after being involved with Glen Park Community Centre in Bayswater North.
There she managed a centre redevelopment that included a men’s shed, new sporting facility and refurbishment of the existing centre with a fully accessible bathroom.
Ms Murray is looking forward to meeting the local residents of Montrose to hear about their experiences and history and ideas for future classes, activities and events.
Japara also manages The Bridge Community Gardening Centre in Kilsyth and the Montrose Public Hall.
Japara has three office staff including Ms Murray, Ros as adult and further education coordinator and Jenny as financial coordinator.
Arlene, Lorraine, Karen, Dianne, Lynda, Lisette are in childcare and Lillian manages The Bridge Community Gardening Centre in Kilsyth.
The organisation couldn’t run without the help of valuable volunteers including the hard working board members.
Japara is celebrating its 30th year and needs ideas on how to celebrate this wonderful milestone.
Readers can call Japara Neighbourhood House on 9728 3587.
