NEIGHBOURHOOD houses support their local communities by offering career development programs as well as bringing people together.
Neighbourhood House Week is from 12 May to 18 May and is promoted as a celebration to mark the work of neighbourhood houses and learning centres in the various local communities across Australia.
The week includes a variety of activities at the neighbourhood houses including open days, community lunches and barbecues.
Kallista, Emerald, Cockatoo, Selby, Olinda, Belgrave South and Montrose (Japara) all have these great learning and activity centres open to the community.
Typical of the neighbourhood houses is Kallista Community House that supports professional development in the local community with a range of accredited training courses.
People who are currently looking to gain skills and knowledge, but are not yet employed, as well as those who are currently employed but are looking to upgrade their skills, are welcomed as course participants.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges has offered its support for the current children’s services program at Kallista, as the local area has a high demand for more family day carers.
Employment prospects upon completion of this certificate course include child care assistant, family day carer, nanny and child care worker.
Kallista Community House also supports the local community through re-skilling its community members in hospitality training, first aid training and computer training.
A new computer lab allows participants in small classes to benefit from personalised tutoring.
People who are interested can phone the local neighbourhood house for further information about courses and activities.
