By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
LIFE begins at the Selby Community House – and has for the past 40 years.
The community house will celebrate its 40th birthday at the annual Selbyfest community festival on Saturday 21 March.
One of the first community houses in Victoria, the centre offers services such as childcare and playgroup, a variety of courses as well as a venue for performances and for community groups to hold meetings.
House manager Tracy van Vloten said the house was focused on promoting and serving the community.
“We see ourselves as a place of social inclusion, education for those heading back into the workforce and an opportunity for mums to come together in playgroups or to provide childcare,” she said.
“From our point of view, it’s the community’s house. We’re here for them.”
This year the festival will host many family activities including live entertainment across three states, market stalls, fabulous food, indigenous dance, local art, a fashion parade and more.
There will be a variety of workshops, a healing space, an indigenous dance and a dunking machine, where visitors will be able to dunk the local school principal and other well-known locals.
With a focus on the beautiful Selby scenery, there will be a native wildlife and conservation Minak trail walk and a chance to get up close with furry and scaly native animals.
There will be a shuttle bus operating to and from Belgrave on the day. The festival will run from 11am-6.30pm on Saturday 21 March. For more information, visit www.selbyfest.com.au or contact 9754 2030.
