The Department of Planning and Community Development funded the Volition Project for two years to link businesses with community organisations within the Hobsons Bay. The project has already coordinated over $30,000 worth of volunteer hours and contributions to local groups.

This will be the final eNewsletter as the project will finish in June. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the businesses and community organisations involved in the project and encourage their continued involvement in joint community projects.

There are still a few more volunteering opportunities coming up, have a look at the details below.

Annie Grant, Volition Project Coordinator

Was Christmas really just a few months ago?  Businesses and local organisations got into the spirit and contributed in a number of ways...

A huge thank you to the staff at The Odd Spot Café in Melbourne Road, Newport who put on a beautiful Christmas lunch for local residents.

Café chef and owner, Sarah Pope and her family, prepared and served the meal and also cooked fruit cakes and jam for everyone to take home. Brigid Parker (pictured left) enjoyed the day so much that she contacted 3AW to tell them the story.

Sloan House provides activities and support for older people and people with a disability. Volunteers from CPA Australia attended their Christmas function where they cooked the barbecue, assisted with activities and joined in the carol singing.

Thanks also to the Victoria University Community Initiatives Program that provided catering for Bay West Youth Housing and Half Moon Caravan Park, and to Bunnings for providing packaging for Christmas hampers distributed by the Williamstown Emergency relief service.

Volunteers from Ernst and Young made quick work of the many tasks required by the Francis Sullivan Kindergarten - no doubt they were spurred on by the BBQ lunch organised by the Kinder Committee at lunchtime.

AMES Employment Werribee recently conducted an Industry Orientation Program that took students to five local industries that are in need of skilled workers.

Owner of Riverhouse Catering, Adrienne Liebmann and her staff took time out from their busy day to introduce students to the hospitality industry by providing a tour and information about their business.

The Workplace Big Day Out (WBDO) will be held on Tuesday, 12th May at the Altona Sports Centre.

This event brings together employees from local business and people with disabilities to enjoy and experience a range of different recreational activities. Activities may include basketball, dancing, yoga or tai chi.

More...

To celebrate Refugee Week, Hobsons Bay will be hosting its own Amazing Race. This event, to be held on Thursday, 18th June, will partner refugees and recent arrivals to Hobsons Bay with volunteers in teams as they 'race' around the municipality to identify local services and landmarks. 

More...

For more information about either of these events or to register your interest, contact Annie Grant on tel: 9932 1284 or email: agrant@hobsonsbay.gov.vic.au