History
Upper Beaconsfield Community Centre Inc. is a community driven organization that evolved after the 1983 Ash Wednesday Bushfires as a means of community support. The CWA established a drop-in Centre for anyone wishing to have a chat and a cuppa. This focused the increasing sense of “community” that arose after the fires. In time a small amount of funding was made available through local and State agencies, which enabled a start to courses, with five being the initial program offered. These courses were directed at the immediate needs of the community.
From that time the Centre has developed into the busy Community Centre and Neighborhood House offering a wide variety of services, that it is today.
The Centre’s Committee of Management has not lost sight of the original objective of fostering and enhancing the ‘sense of Community and co-operation’ within the Upper Beaconsfield area even as times and needs change. The Centre is dedicated to responding to community needs by providing care and support groups, referral services and high quality education opportunities in a friendly, professional manner.
The Centre has published a comprehensive history book about the Centre which can be purchased at a cost of $15 per copy. Please contact the co-ordinators to arrange for your copy.
Management of the Centre
Upper Beaconsfield Community Centre Inc is an incorporated non-profit organisation, overseen by a voluntary committee of management (COM) elected annually.
The Centre’s COM is sourced from our members and wider community in accordance with our Adult Community & Further Education Department (ACFE) agreement and Centre constitution.
The COM manages the operation of the Centre. The committee meets once a month, or more frequently if required, to consider issues of policy, direction, programming, fundraising and operational matters. Members of the COM contribute to sub-committees and give assistance to employed staff and volunteer staff on a needs basis.
Decision-making responsibility remains, at all times, with the COM. COM may delegate responsibility for particular tasks to designated persons or subcommittees.
The Centre complies with Federal and State legislation and regulatory requirements relevant to its operations. A Policy & Procedure Manual is kept in the Centre office and can be viewed on request.
Philosophy
The Centre’s aim is to be equally accessible to everyone and to never lose sight of the unique grass roots community origin.
Upper Beaconsfield Community Centre and Neighborhood House is a place to gather, socialise and learn-be it on an educational, personal or social level. Everyone is welcome, regardless of where you live
It is the Centre’s policy not to discriminate against any person, regardless of race, culture, sex, disability, religion or age.
Membership
It is the Committee Of Management Policy that all Centre users pay an annual family membership of $10. This contributes to the Centre’s running costs.
Member Services
- Crèche
- Disabled access
- Photocopier
- Facsimile
- Computer Room (booking required)
- Free Internet access (booking required)
- Eftpos is available
Accredited Courses
We are a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), registered with the State and Federal Government to deliver certain Nationally Recognised Training Packages. Recognition of Prior Learning and Recognition of Current Competencies is available for these accredited courses. Full details can be obtained from the office. Certificates are issued at the satisfactory completion of the course. Statements of Attainment are available where specific units of a training packaged are satisfactorily completed
Support, Counseling & Referral
Limited referral service is available at the Centre. Some Information can be obtained from the foyer area.
