In the Hub with Kerryn Crebbin

Club members were met with a smile, a greeting and vibrancy by guest speaker Kerryn Crebbin at the Wendouree West Community Hub Building. The smile, greeting and colour set the tone of the tour as the work, dedication and commitment of the hub participants was revealed during the talk and walk on November 4th 2009.

Wendouree West was established as a public housing area during the 1950s, which over the course of fifty years became run down leading to a community in need of hope and renewal. The area was identified as a low income area where a fourth generation of unemployed was emerging with school drop outs as early as year 7 or 8.

Community members were consulted identifying priorities to lead them into the future without the burden of being seen as a welfare area. The resulting $12.4 million community hub embraces all aspects and stages of community life – from occasional child care, early learning programs and school classes from prep to year 8. Learning opportunities for adults are available in training courses for employment to a men’s shed facility and a Stephanie Alexander Garden and Kitchen.

The welcoming open environment allows children to see their parents in learning and training situations effectively legitimizing participation and learning. Programs in the school comprise academic, artistic pursuits, technical skills and, life and social skills in an environment with the capacity to deliver intensive support leading to life changing behaviours. The Wendouree West Community Hub is changing lives and members of our club were inspired by the visit.