By Callum Ludwig
The Upper Yarra Family Centre in Yarra Junction has had a recent upgrade, much to the delight of those who frequent the community building.
Yarra Ranges Council has replaced some of the flooring, given the five public toilets within the centre new tiles and paintwork and made amenities such as taps to toilets more accessible.
General Manager of LinC Yarra Valley, who uses the building on Fridays for their Fresh Food program, Julie Szabo said they’ve been using the building for years and are delighted with the upgrade.
“There’s new lino now in the room we use, which just makes it beautiful, really bright, white and fresh,” she said.
“The new carpets, new toilets, it’s all fabulous and makes it a much brighter environment and just gives a bit of a refresh in the whole building.”
LinC’s Fresh Food program operates out of the Upper Yarra Family Centre from 1pm on Fridays, also running at 10.30am each Friday in Warburton, Millgrove, Woori Yallock, Wandin North and Mooroolbark. Delivery service is also available by contacting LinC’s crisis support number at 0472 644 476.
Yarra Ranges Council’s Communities Director Jane Price while five refurbished toilets may seem like a small improvement, changes like these can have a big impact for community members.
“The upgrades are an example of the work our teams do to support valued community services through our maintenance, minor works and renewal works programs,” she said.
“These services aren’t just practical; the centre is a focal point for residents that allows for building connection, resilience and support networks for local community members.”
The Upper Yarra Family Centre also hosts a kindergarten, maternal child health services, Eastern Health, Customer Service, and community rooms that are used for a whole host of activities.
With LinC’s Fresh Food program providing food for between 80 and 100 people each week, Ms Szabo said more support or donations are always welcome.
“There’s definitely been an increase in demand for fresh food, but also an increase in what we’ve been able to access through our many and increasing supporters and there’s always a call for more supporters, so I’d love more locals who have extra produce,” she said.
“If they have extra stuff from their trees or garden produce that they want to drop in, then that’s awesome, we are also well supported by Sanders Apples, Aldi, Woolworths, Coles, Second Bite, Outereast Foodshare and lots of other organisations.”
Anyone interested in making a donation or finding out more about LinC Yarra Valley can do so at www.lincyarravalley.org.au/donations-2/.
