Good neighbours

GETTING started is often the most difficult part of embarking on a new course of career.
There are all sorts of reasons for sticking with the status quo – no time, no money, no energy.
If you have been promising yourself a change of pace, or just want to expand your interests and social group, neighbourhood houses are a great place to start.
They not only offer a variety of physical, social and educational activities, they provide a supportive, welcoming environment aimed at encouraging individual and community involvement.
Fees vary from house to house, but most of the centres offer courses and workshops which are low cost and offer excellent value for money.
Courses range from meditation and permaculture to first aid, cooking and how to use digital cameras.
A range of craft activities are available throughout the network of Yarra Valley centres and there are a number of activities which focus on healthy lifestyles, from walking groups to martial arts, kickboxing sessions and asthma management.
Men are not left out of the learning experience either.
Woori Yallock has a Bloke’s Night, and Bobcat operation, welding and forklift driving courses are offered at Kinglake Neighbourhood House.
Most centres now offer accredited career courses.
Different houses also offer different types of courses and these can change from term to term, year to year.
Healesville Living and Learning Centre: 5962 5982.
Steels Creek Community Centre: 9730 1698, or 9730 1957.
Toolangi Community House: 5962 9060.
Kinglake District Neighbourhood House: 5786 1301.
UYCH Learning Centre, Yarra Junction: 5967 1776.
Yarra Glen Living and Learning Centre: 9730 2287.
University of the Third Age, Lilydale:9739 7605.
Morrison House, Mt Evelyn: 9736 1457.
Seville Community House: 5964 3987.
Warburton Cerini Community Centre: 5966 2672.
Woori Community House: 5964 6857.