By REBECCA BILLS
MORRISON’S has a rich history in Mount Evelyn, dating back to its humble beginnings in 1976.
In a bid to create safe space for people of all walks of life to learn, Morrison House was born.
The neighbourhood house started with an information community playgroup childcare centre and consisted of solely volunteers until the 1980s.
This was when the house began offering skill and life enrichment short courses, adult Year 12-equivalent program, literacy programs, general education and accredited courses.
The not-for-profit organisation has provided quality education, training, childcare services, corporate development and community development opportunities.
Morrisons, over its 35-year history in the area, operated from seven different facilities spanning Mount Evelyn including various training venues, the community cafe, exhibition space, Youth Enterprise Shed and Station House.
Morrisons is the largest Adult Community Education provider in the eastern metropolitan region and contributed to the wider community’s development through its services.
On a weekly basis, more than 3000 people of all ages pass through Morrisons on top of more than 120 Morrison’s employees.
Morrisons board member, historian and local resident Paula Herlihy finished a book outlining Morrisons history called Morrison House Changed a Community last year.
The Mail met with Mrs Herlihy and original committee member Peter Sank last year who said the book is a great community asset.
Mr Sank said at the time the great thing about Morrisons and its people is that it has been able to adapt and change as circumstances arise.
“At all times we keep our focus on our founding principles of community-based, formal and informal learning and growing especially with those who are most vulnerable in our community.
“Morrisons has also built great relationships and achieved mutually beneficial partnerships with business, education institutes, government, parents, childcare, volunteer organisations and individuals to help our people deliver world leading programs and projects.”
