News from the House
LAING O'ROURKE COMMUNITY DAY
Laing O'Rourke, who are currently undertaking the extension of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, have launched their inaugural Community Day program, an initiative to make a meaningful contribution to the local area. Laing O'Rourke sent 14 staff to West End Community House on Monday 30th November to undertake a range of improvements and maintenance works - from painting and repairing fences, to landscaping and garden maintenance.
Community House Co-ordinator Joe Hurley said "it is fantastic to receive this much needed support from Laing O'Rourke - we commend them for their generosity, strong show of community spirit and corporate responsibility. These works will enhance our beautiful heritage House significantly for the many thousand of local residents who visit each year - it is a great Christmas gift to the West End community".
Laing O'Rourke is one of the world's largest construction companies with offices across Australia, the UK, Germany, India, South East Asia and the United Arab Emirates. To find out more, look them up at www.laingorourke.com.au.
COMMUNITY HOUSE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
West End Community House held its Annual General Meeting last weekend to mark the end of the year, and elect a Management Committee for 2009 – 2010. Some 40 local community members enjoyed the music of Ian Muir and Glennys Briggs, old friends of the House, who returned to help us celebrate in style. Malcolm Snow, CEO of Southbank Corporation, delivered a highly thoughful keynote address talking of the challenges facing a rapidly growing and developing community.
Members re-elected nine existing Committee members to the Committee – these include Mary Maher as Chairperson, with Des Nolan (Treasurer), Helen Wallace (Secretary), Gary Penfold, Helen Abrahams, Susan Booth, Steve Capelin, Kerrod Trott and Tim Quinn as members. Community House sadly farewelled Richard De Simone from the Committee, after some ten years of exemplary service and leadership.
Mary Maher highlighted the achievements of the year gone, and challenges facing us in the year ahead, with reduction to Community House’s funding, a rapidly changing local environment, and increasing demand in the community for support.
Community House actively welcomes new members to join us in supporting and serving our community – for more information contact Joe Hurley on 3846 2114.
SERVICES AT COMMUNITY HOUSE OVER CHRISTMAS
Many of the groups and activities at Community House will take a well earned short break during the Christmas period. Art, Storytelling and Bipolar and Depression Support Groups will all cease by the second week of December, with most to resume by mid to late January. Feet First and the Community Playgroup will also have short breaks. For information about your group or activity meeting times during Christmas, contact the House on 3846 2114.
The Tenancy Advice and Advocacy Service will operate each day over the Christmas period except public holidays – contact the service on 3844 9814 between 8am and 12noon weekdays, or drop in at Community House (4 Norfolk Road) for assistance.
WEST END CHRISTMAS CAROLLING EVENT
A number of local residents are banding together to create the 2009 West End Christmas Carolling Event. The Carols are planned for 5pm on 22nd December and rehearsals are just commencing now. All voices are welcome, and there will be support to help the less experienced singers who wish to participate. Interested? Contact Francesca on flejeune@vtown.com.au or via telephone 3844 3656 (after hours) for rehearsal times and venues.
DAVIES PARK CULTURAL MAP
As part of the process to develop a Master Plan for Davies Park, Brisbane City Council has commissioned SpeakOut Events and Human Ventures to create a cultural map of the Park. They are calling on locals to contribute stories, images, memories and events that you have experienced at Davies Park to help identify the heritage and cultural values that are associated with it. This information will assist Council to understand the past and present influences of the Park while undertaking the master planning process. Interested? Like to contribute? Email daviespark@speakoutevents.org or contact Steph on 0423 668 329 or Dave on 0415 731 400 for more information.
