About the Centre
In 1984 a group of housebound mums with small children formed a playgroup. This proved popular so they rented a room from a local church. As the workload became too much they successfully applied for funding to employ a Co-ordinator. With the advent of new child care regulations the old change rooms at the Hallam Recreation Reserve were upgraded to Class 2 requirements and the Centre moved there in 1990.
The Mapleson Kindergarten building became vacant in 1997, our application was successful and we moved to our current premises in October of the same year. Casey council has been very supportive and the building can be expanded to cater for the increasing demand for a greater variety of activities.
The Community Centre is run by a group of interested local citizens on a voluntary basis. They meet on the fourth Thursday of each month and make decisions regarding finances, activities, publicity, future policy and all the many and varied duties needed to keep the Centre running smoothly. We welcome anyone who wishes to attend these meetings.
This Committee of Governance employs a Manager on a permanent part time basis, for a total of 25 hours per week. The Department of Human Services and the City of Casey fund this position. We apply each year for funding from the Adult and Community Further Education Board to run Adult Learning classes.
The Child Care leaders and assistants are funded from fees paid by families utilising our children’s program. Our fees are more affordable with the assistance of as many volunteer helpers as possible who assist in our children’s groups.
Equipment and supplies are purchased from money raised by the committee, members and helpers. administration/office staff are all part time and rely on the help of volunteers. Membership cost is $8.00 for a family and $5.00 single/concession, for the year in which you join. We require that everyone enrolling in any activity become a member.
The following equipment at the Centre is available for use or hire; computers, internet, copying, function tables, function, laminating. Please make an enquiry with our office team.
We endeavour to provide a welcoming and safe atmosphere to all interested local people who want to join with us to meet and make new friends, want to learn new skills, brush up on old ones or share their knowledge with others. Our aim is to generally encourage community spirit, so making Hallam a happier place in which to live.
We hope that your time with us enjoyable, please let us know if you have any suggestions that will improve our service to you – as a member of the local community – speak to the manager, administration or a committee member.
The Centre’s existence relies on your interest and input – this is our Community Centre.