Sally Brennan speaks with youth worker Amara Trimmer, one of more than 160 staff employed at UYCH.
UPPER Yarra Community House has been a vibrant and productive organisation in the heart of Yarra Junction for more than 30 years.
UYCH is arguably the largest employer in the town with more than 160 employees and CEO Sally Brennan said it had been instrumental in the growth of services, education opportunities and community development in the region.
“Someone described UYCH as the Yarra Valley’s best kept secret,” she said.
“It’s true, I guess, because behind the rather shabby front door in the main street is a goldmine of activity, productivity and community commitment.”
Since the organisation’s beginnings in Yarra Junction, UYCH now has campuses in Healesville, Warburton and Ringwood.
Sally said most people in Yarra Junction and the surrounding areas would have had a connection with UYCH in some way over the years.
She said more than 1000 per year enroll in UYCH Community College educational courses and programs while hundreds of families have accessed the excellent facilities and service of the UYCH Children’s Centre.
UYCH has played a role in everything from sporting clubs to local businesses to individuals and their families.
“We’ve weathered many storms over the years we’ve been in business, storms that have come from government changes and cutbacks.
“But we’re still here, stronger than ever,” Sally said.
She said UYCH had been well-positioned over the past few years to receive large government grants to improve facilities and buildings, and the wonderful new classrooms in Little Yarra Road were a beautiful example of what could be achieved when communities worked together.
As well as the classrooms, which were opened last year, UYCH Children’s Centre is currently expanding and has a 30-place kindergarten space under construction.
UYCH has recently been approved by the Commonwealth Government as an approved aged care provider.
“This means that we can access meaningful support through the UYCH Community Living program for older people in our community, more funds to assist them and more connection to their local community,” she said.
“Everything we do is about making our community stronger, more resilient and more sustainable.
“As a not-for-profit organisation, our commitment is clear.”
Outer East Youth Connections is the most recent example of the high esteem in which government holds UYCH.
UYCH is the lead agent for this essential and significant program, currently the second largest in Victoria.
“Our long and rich history of education provision to young people at risk of not completing school is the basis on which this program was funded,” Sally said.
“We have never accepted that a child exists who can’t and shouldn’t receive an education. We will never accept it.”
Sally said while UYCH works at a national level in the community college sector it remains, at heart, a local neighbourhood house working for its own community.
“We are very proud of our community connections, we have a big heart and it beats very strongly for our own people,” she said.
“Our door is always open, no question is a dumb one and there are lots on offer inside the door.
“New faces appear every day at the front desk, which is wonderful and what we’re all about.”
A Centrelink Access Point, public access computers, mobile scooter recharge and information, and referrals to other services are just some of the many services available at UYCH.
Upper Yarra Community House is located at 2463 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction.
For more information drop in or call 5967 1776. Email info@uych.org.au or visit www.uych.vic.edu.au.
