By Tanya Steele
With its new location yet to be announced 11 February saw confirmation of Fernlea Community Care as the new community hub house provider for Emerald and its community. –
The group has secured the tender for the State Government’s Neighbourhood House Coordination Program (NHCP) in Emerald, following an open tender process conducted by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH).
The contract will span the next two years and Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said the announcement was great news for the community.
“Cardinia Shire Council has been working closely with DFFH to transition to a new neighbourhood house service in Emerald, and we’re delighted that a new service provider has been selected to deliver neighbourhood house services to the community of Emerald and surrounding areas,” he said.
Fernlea learned of the DFFH call for tender applications during the community consultation by Cardinia Council in August last year and Fernlea CEO Sarah Cole said when the tender application opened up, the team at Fernlea felt that they were already providing many of the community services required.
“Our team are skilled in the right areas to make the community house a thriving hub of activity,” she said.
“We have been noticing for some time that more and more Emerald residents have been coming to our Shop of Opportunities to seek assistance,” she said.
“We had added extra initiatives and they were well received by the public.”
Moving forward Ms Cole said that their first priority as a community house is to create a space that is inviting and inclusive.
“Our philosophy is kindness and we see the importance of connection in the Emerald and surrounding region, especially as we face climate changes, economic hardship and food shortages,” she said.
The group plans to implement programs to cater for all abilities, young people, and vulnerable women.
“We will be in conversation with other community groups to see how we can support them,” MS Cole said.
Ms Cole said Fernlea plans to have an advisory panel from the community that will inform their program.
“We want to be a place where groups can work together and support each other,” she said.
“A place where we encourage other groups in their pursuits, while also providing as many services as we can from the community consultation that was carried out.”
Ms Cole said Fernlea will not at this point be providing before and after-school care.
“Emerald Primary School has implemented this and we are here to support other initiatives rather than do what is already being done,” she said,
“If this service is needed in the future, we will reassess this. Playgroups and intergenerational play will be part of our ongoing program.”
Ranges Ward Councillor David Nickell said he would like to thank the committee and staff from the former community house service provider for their contribution.
“I would like to acknowledge the many years of hard work and dedication of the committee members and staff from the former community house in Emerald, and wish them the best for their future endeavours,” Cr Nickell said.
Ms Cole said the building that housed Emerald Community House has been a core part of her personal history as one of the few original community houses in Victoria.
“I vaguely remember its beginnings when my mother sought support and companionship there at the time,” she said.
“The original purpose of the house was to be a community space, embracing all people, and creating a network of people who could connect and feel supported – we want Emerald to have that again.”
Mayor Kowarzik said council supports neighbourhood houses funded by the State Government’s NHCP in line with our Neighbourhood House Policy, so we look forward to supporting Fernlea Community Care to deliver the neighbourhood house program in Emerald.
“We remain committed to working with DFFH and the new service provider to ensure a smooth transition to the new service,”he said.
The location of the new service will be announced once details have been finalised.
Ms Cole said Fernlea will be working from the Hills Hub throughout March so community members can drop in and let us know what they would like to see at the community house.
“Community meetings will also be held during March and details will be posted on our Facebook pages,” she said.
“Fernlea is very excited to be able to provide this and very honoured to be trusted with such an important community service.”
