Left: Lisa Pollard, Balla Balla centre coordinator Maree Cullinan, Helen Williams and
CASEY mayor Janet Halsall presented Balla Balla Community Centre volunteers with certificates of appreciation and badges at a lunch held at the centre last week.
The Wednesday event was a combined celebration of the Cranbourne centre’s first anniversary, Neighbourhood House Week and National Volunteer Week.
Cr Halsall commended the volunteers for their valuable contribution to the development and growth of the centre.
Volunteers Beryl Craig and Silvanna Acuna also spoke, and told the audience that through volunteering they had gained new skills, confidence and self-esteem.
Cr Halsall also acknowledged Balla Balla Community Centre as a place where the community united and demonstrated the principles of life-long learning, participation, access and equity.
Following the luncheon, Balla Balla centre coordinator Maree Cullinan said the theme of Volunteer Week – volunteers change our world – highlighted the diversity and generosity of volunteers who supported neighbourhood houses such as the Balla Balla Community Centre in building community.
“Volunteers make a significant contribution to the Balla Balla centre through inclusion in steering groups, organising activities, facilitating workshops, distributing programs, providing a pair of helping hands where needed and supporting the administration and reception area,” she said.
Ms Cullinan said there was a wide range of activities at the centre, such as cooking, art, craft, music, wellbeing and a men’s discussion group.
Expressions of interest are now being taken for next term’s program. Contact the centre with suggestions for future activities on 5990 0900.
