Funding boost for Leongatha Community House

LEONGATHA Community House (LCH) staff and participants celebrated a valuable injection of funds with upper house member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh joining the festivities after the State Government committed $50,000 to LCH.

Originally a commitment during last year’s election campaign, delivered by Legislative Council representative for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing and then Labor candidate for Gippsland South Denise Ryan, the promised funding was included in the recent State Budget.

Toni Halloran-Lavelle looks after Gippsland’s 21 Community Houses in her role as network manager and spoke of the positive message the funding sends in addition to the help it will provide LCH in running its programs.

“I think it’s just in recognition of what Neighbourhood Houses do for local communities,” she said.

LCH manager Nina Kane is thrilled to receive the funding as she continues to develop new activities and projects for the community.

She mentioned the desire to find a suitable yoga space that can accommodate sufficient participants is one of her current goals.

Current LCH vice president Antoinette Daniel moved to Leongatha from Cranbourne five or six years ago and quickly found her way to the Community House through a ‘Welcome to Leongatha’ coffee morning.

She’s enjoyed craft sessions and exercise classes, having now also started a newsletter, and has made many friends through LCH.

That connection between people, through tackling projects together, is something Tom noted in his speech to those present, stressing the importance of supporting service provision and expansion at LCH and other such centres.

“I’m a massive fan of Community Houses,” Tom said.
He suggested the funding may be used in a variety of ways, whether helping to foster further connectivity, running health and welfare initiatives, or helping people build their skills.

Tom spoke of the pride and enjoyment people get from being a part of Community House programs, whether as an instructor or participant.

Roy Fisher draws on his experience as a professional photographer, running photography courses at LCH, loving the camaraderie and friendships he has made doing so.
During his speech, Tom noted the happy vibe in the room, adding he wishes every event he attends had the same feel.
Thanks to an extra $50,000 that vibe will now extend a little further.

Tom McIntosh pays a visit to Leongatha Secondary College

Upper House member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh visited Leongatha Secondary College last week enjoying a tour of the school and chatting with principal Brad Hutchinson and school captain Chloe Goff about the school’s future.
That follows last year’s $11.7 million election commitment to upgrade and modernise the school and the recent budget allocation of a portion of that through the School Upgrades Delivery Fund to set the wheels in motion.
Initial funding will help the school develop a project plan that will be submitted by mid July, Brad said recently.
The principal attended a meeting and workshop with the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) at the end of May.
“The VSBA is helping to guide us through the development of our initial 5-year plan which will then help to inform our planning and design stages,” Brad said.
He made it clear the community will also play a major role in determining the school’s future direction.
“We are commencing the initial phases of engaging with our community and are focused on hearing about the educational opportunities that they feel could exist in the future,” the principal said.
During Tom’s visit to the school, Brad spoke of the difference the government’s investment will make, also hearing some interesting feedback from the minister. 
“We heard from him about other schools that had recently, or are currently engaged in, completing school upgrades and it was helpful to hear about a few schools that have sought input from community groups about how their upgrades are supporting community access to spaces, resources and amenities,” Brad said.
“We will be looking to speak with these schools in the coming weeks to learn from them about their journey.”