After recently receiving funding from the Hills Community Committee and Yarra Ranges Council, The Hills Creative Alliance (HCA), a community organisation set up after the storms of 2021, will make a start on a program of volunteering and activities.
By teaming up with local organisations and services that support communities, HCA has plans to develop a range of activities to engage and support local people in the areas affected by the storms and the impact of Covid.
The Heart Foundation is supporting the recruitment of volunteer ‘Walk Leaders’ with training provided. Monbulk Aquatic Centre are developing ‘Friends of MAC’ to work with local health practices as we come through the aftermath of Covid and other challenges, with additional opportunities for ‘Walks and Talks’. HCA is now an associate member of Volunteering Victoria who provide training and guidance for volunteers. Offers are already coming forward to get involved to support the activities planned.
St Michael’s Church in Kalorama will be hosting a series of workshops to help people who want to create family story books, supported by Sonya at the Mount Dandenong based Adala Group, and Adala are also advising on the publication of a termly ‘Hills Community Focus’ newsletters for all homes and an information website, with volunteer support.
Belgrave Library and 360 IT Tech Solutions are advising on setting up one to one IT support at Monbulk Living and Learning Centre, with Hills Creative Alliance volunteers and advice from Rozult Computer Repairs and Service
A team of community research volunteers is being recruited to work with support from the Mount Dandenong Historical Society to explore the best way to collect the stories of the storm in June 2021 and the amazing support given through the recovery effort. The team at Lilydale Archives and the State Archives have agreed to give advice and guidance to the community research volunteer team.
The Rotary Club of Lilydale has stepped up to support the set-up of a Satellite Rotary Club based at the Mount Dandenong Hotel meeting on Wednesday evenings, piloting the idea of focussing on community need after disaster and exploring the environmental challenges. People interested in finding our more will be welcome to join Lilydale Rotarians on Wednesday 8 February at 7pm for a meal and informal discussions.
The Eastern Foothills Group of the Country Women’s Association is working with us to support the set-up of a CWA that will meet at Karwarra Garden once a month.
The Hills Creative Alliance will be hosting the start-up CWA meeting on Thursday 9 February at 2pm at Karwarra Garden by the oval in Kalorama.
Please contact Liz Millman for more information about any of these plans on 0412 970 050 or email: lizmillman@yahoo.co.uk or check out the Hills Creative Alliance site: www.hillscreativealliance.com
