By BRIDGET COOK
THE Hampton Park Community House celebrated 25 years of being an integral part of the community last week.
A morning tea was held on Wednesday 24 July to mark the centre’s 25th birthday in its Stuart Avenue home.
More than 45 people attended the event including former State Government MP Rob Jolly – who opened the House in 1988 – life members, current and former staff, managers, volunteers and City of Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon along with councillor Wayne Smith.
Hampton Park Community House manager Lynda Smith said reaching the milestone occasion was a great achievement.
“Many volunteers, committee members and managers have contributed significantly to the ongoing support the House has provided to the Hampton Park community since the mid-70s,” she said.
“This building has provided our home for 25 years but the work began before that and those founding the community house are to be thanked.
“The thousands of locals, adults and children, who have participated in a myriad of programs over the years is testament to the house providing what the community needs, and the lifelong friendships and bonds created through that process has formed the strong community spirit that exists in Hampton Park today.”
Ms Smith said a number of people spoke at the morning tea.
“Rob Jolly’s speech was very reflective of his experience whilst he lived in Hampton Park all those years ago,” she said.
“He noticed lots of positive changes in Hampton Park and was very impressed with how the community house had prospered and grown, considering changes and ending of funding.”
Cr Stapledon also spoke and praised the house and Ms Smith for their hard work and determination to reflect the community’s needs.
