Japara jubilant- Sophie Knot, David Dobson, Ian Blencowe, Jenson (3), Shanaye (3), Pam Dryen, Sally Devisser, Helen Rasmussen, Marg Fennell, and Gayle and Russell Cherry are all preparing to celebrate

By Russell Bennett
A BELOVED Montrose fixture has been giving back to its community for the past three decades.
The first meeting at Japara Neighbourhood House took place on 26 March 1980 and this Sunday, the centre will officially celebrate its 30th birthday milestone.
Since the house’s inception, Japara’s workers have tirelessly provided childcare, community group support, leisure programs and education services to the wider Montrose area.
Office and adult education co-ordinator Ros Hunter said the centre’s name was derived from an aboriginal elder who lived in the hills and called people from a range of different groups together.
“Japara covers such a wide range of services,” Yarra Ranges mayor and Walling Ward councillor Len Cox said.
Cr Cox, whose ward includes the Neighbourhood House, said he had been “associated with Japara almost since its inception.
“I’d describe it as a real centre for community life for the Montrose, Kilsyth and Mooroolbark areas.
“It’s extremely well run. The committee in charge, made up of all volunteers, is doing a fantastic job.”
Japara was one of the first local Neighbourhood Houses to work with those with a disability and has published a range of books for those in prisons and migrant services with learning difficulties.
“We’re most proud of the fact that we have people of all ages come through, and people stay with us,” Ms Hunter said.
“Former preschool students return as work experience students and we help our volunteers find employment.
“We’re proud of helping people when sometimes government services don’t fit the bill.”
Japara also manages the Montrose Public Hall and has run the Bridge Community Garden Centre in Kilsyth since it opened in 2000.
“The centre has been modified by people working for Japara in the work for the dole program,” Ms Hunter explained. Cr Cox said: “if anyone had anything they’d like to get off their chest and talk about at Japara, they’d be made to feel very welcome and comfortable”.
“It’s just a lovely, warm, welcoming place. “My role with the council aside, whenever I’m there, I always feel welcome. “Community houses are very good generally, but this one has been really great.”
Japara’s ‘Back to 1980’ progressive birthday celebration will start at the Bridge Community Garden Centre from 2pm this Sunday on Durham Road, Kilsyth.