By Violet Li
Blind Bight Community Centre celebrated its 30th birthday with the whole town on Saturday 18 November.
It held a ceremony to thank the community for their support and participation over the 30 years that has enabled it to reach this milestone.
The centre provided children’s and adult activities to keep people entertained in the beautiful weather, including Marty Rose band, Elsa from Frozen, face painting, Myuna Farm Animal Ark, a fairy floss and popcorn machine, coffee and hot food van, CFA as well as a mini market provided by local stall holders.
Holt MP Cassandra Fernando and Bass MP Jordan Crugnale joined the locals and promised to rehearse and start singing in the same key ‘Happy Birthday’ for the town anniversary next year.
Centre coordinator Leanne Craven worked with other staff to recollect the history of the community hub for this special occasion.
“The history of the Blind Bight Community Centre came about due to the realisation of a dream and the result of hard work of Stan Gibbs, Garry Brown, Sue McEwen, Jenny and Wayne Finch who were part of the original executive of the Blind Bight Progress/Community Association who fought hard to provide a place for Blind Bight residents to hold events, meetings, activities and social events along with many past and present residents of Blind Bight,” she said on behalf of the community centre.
“Since my time as coordinator, which started 13 years ago, there has been a huge shift relating to our centre’s demographic. Back when I started in this role we had more older people residing here while now we have young families who have moved into the area.
“The centre also services the coastal villages and surrounds within the City of Casey. Blind Bight has retained its relaxed and easy going lifestyle despite it being busier than when I first started at the centre.”
She believed Blind Bight had managed to retain its wholesome, sleepy fishing village feel that fostered strong community spirit and connections, making it a very special place to live and work in.
“There have been many wonderful, dedicated, committee members who have volunteered their time during the last 30 years who have given back to the community to enable it to be sustainable and the vibrant community centre that it is,” she said.
Ms Craven said the centre now aimed to identify and respond to community needs and to work collaboratively with the community to enable participants hopes and dreams to be achieved.
“We encourage active participation at our centre by providing an inclusive environment, that empowers and enhances community capacity as well as advocacy and equity that benefits the community,” she said.
