Community programs nominated for Neighbourhood House Awards

Published on 06 December 2024

Two Council community centres have been nominated as finalists in the 2024 Neighbourhood House Vic Awards for delivering programs that promote gender equity and wellbeing.

The annual awards recognise and celebrate the valuable work of Neighbourhood Houses on a state-wide level and the positive benefits they contribute to the community.

Taylors Hill Youth & Community Centre has been nominated for the Fiona Richardson Award for Gender Equity for its Women in Business & Entrepreneurship project (WIBE), while Hillside Community Centre has been nominated for the Good Health and Well-Being award for its Ageing Artfully Art Project.

The Gender Equity category recognises projects that promote participation, support and opportunities, and celebrate the diversity of girls and women.

The WIBE project, delivered in partnership with the Multicultural Association of Community Empowerment (MACE), addressed gender inequality amongst Indian women in the City of Melton in the areas of economic empowerment, education, social connection and wellbeing.

More than 500 local women participated in the program, which included workshops, business coaching, and education and training support.

Hillside Community Centre’s Ageing Artfully Art Project provided a platform for seniors to come together, reflect upon, and paint their experiences of ageing well in their community.

Participants engaged in a series of workshops, resulting in the creation of artwork that was displayed in a pop-up exhibition as part of Council’s 2024 Seniors Festivals celebrations.

Winners of the awards will be announced at the NHVic Conference in March 2025.

Quotes attributable to City of Melton Cr Mayor Steve Abboushi:

“Congratulations to Taylors Hill Youth & Community Centre and Hillside Community Centre on your nominations and to those involved in coordinating and running these fantastic programs”.

“Both programs are a great example of the important role our community centres and neighbourhood houses play in supporting social connections and skill development.”

“Council has 22 Community Activity & Learning Centres across the City of Melton where community members can learn new skills and engage with others in the community. I encourage you to see what activities your local community centre has to offer.”