Tara Murray
When Joy Munday first attended the Westvale Community Centre, it was to attend ballroom dancing classes.
She was soon attending the community kitchen and before she knew it was helping out at the centre.
Ms Munday was soon asked to be a volunteer, a role that she has held for nearly 15 years.
She said being part of the community house helped fill her day.
“I like helping people and they’re very friendly,” she said. “You make a lot of friends and I’ve enjoyed volunteering there.
“There’s a conversation group on Mondays I’ve been going to for more than 14 years and there’s a walking group on Wednesdays.”
In her role as a volunteer, Ms Munday has helped run a number of events, functions and school holiday programs.
She said since COVID-19, the centre along with other centres had seen a drop in the number of people coming in. She encourages people to come down and get involved.
She said coming to the centre was a good way to fill part of the day and wanted to see more activities for people of all ages.
Brimbank council is currently reassessing the neighbourhood house and community centre programs and services they run.
The council operates seven neighbourhood houses-community centres and is running a series of community consultations in regards to what people want.
There will be a pop-up morning tea held at each of the houses in the coming months for community members to share their needs.
Ms Munday said she would like to see some more open days with food, which seems to attract people.
She said more activities on the weekends to cater for younger people was another idea that could be looked at.
Information: 03 9249 4555 or at BrimbankNHS@brimbank.vic.gov.au
