The Crown Street Community Hub project involves the development of a new multi-purpose facility that everyone in Laverton can benefit from. The facility will have a strong focus on providing spaces for people of all ages, aimed at improving employment and training opportunities and enhancing the health and wellbeing of the community.

The services that will be accommodated at the facility include the Laverton Community Centre and Neighbourhood House, Around Laverton Newspaper, Golden Age Seniors Group and the Laverton Community Renewal team.

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The Council's Community Facilities and Access team is responsible for approximately 50 of the Council’s buildings, including kindergartens, senior citizens centres, childcare centres, community centres and halls.

Buildings require ongoing maintenance and upgrade work to ensure they continue to be pleasant spaces for occupants and users. As the needs of the community change, the use of the buildings can change to meet these new demands. 

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The newly formed Laverton Community Association has recently become incorporated. This group will continue with the work of the Laverton Action Group, which has worked closely with the Council and state government on the Laverton Community Renewal project.

The new association marks a move ahead for the group of local residents who wish to provide a more sustainable and effective voice for Laverton. For more information about the group call tel: 9932 3804.

Participants attending the ambassador program at Seabrook Community Centre have completed their course and unit of study 'Develop and implement a program to support behaviour change and sustainable practices.'

Eight residents and five Council staff members have successfully completed the program, which was held in partnership with the National Centre for Sustainability at Swinburne University and the Council.

Participants worked in groups, planning and implementing several behaviour change projects for assessment.

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The VMC is holding community consultations in August. As well as a forum where your organisation can raise issues and gain feedback from last year's consultation program, there will also be a presentation on VMC's 2009-2010 grant programs.

The closest one to Hobsons Bay will be held in Footscray at the Maribyrnong Town Hall, corner of Hyde and Napier Streets on Thursday, 20th August from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

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Hobsons Bay's nine community centres offer a range of programs and activities suitable for all ages. Here's our top ten reasons for visiting one:

• Learn new computer skills, with classes ranging from beginners to advanced and special ‘over 50s’ classes
• Do a training course to help you get a new job in book-keeping, hospitality, retail or office administration
• Choose from one of the many fitness and wellbeing programs such as pilates, yoga, dance, gentle exercise, men’s health forums and more
• Make new friends by joining a singing group, walking group, quilting group, an art class, a Men’s Shed, or by volunteering
• Improve your English speaking, reading or writing skills

Interested? Read on for the next five reasons...

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During the past few months, Toyota Australia in conjunction with Ricoh Australia, has donated 11 new colour printers to local community groups. This initiative is part of Toyota Australia’s Green IT Policy of donating surplus equipment to charitable organisations.

The new Ricoh colour printers, valued at $1500 each, were donated to:

• Laverton Community Centre
• Around Laverton community newspaper
• A new Sudanese homework club
• Williamstown Emergency Relief Program
• Walker Close Community Centre
• South Kingsville Community Centre
• Gateways Social Support
• Newport Community Centre
• Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre
• Altona University of the Third Age.

Tax help is available at Seabrook Community Centre for free assistance in completing tax returns if your income is $40,000 or less (higher if you have dependent children).

Appointments are available on Wednesdays during business hours from Wednesday, 22nd July 2009. Call the centre on tel: 9395 3010 to book or check your eligibility.

The Leader Newspaper has featured a story on Shukria Alewi, a biomedical science student who has recently been recognised for her community work by being named the June winner in Hobsons Bay's Youth Voice Committee’s Recognition and Reward program. Find out more about Shukria's achievements.

Nominations for the October winner close on Friday, 25th September 2009. If you know a young person who should be recognised and rewarded for doing positive things in our community, nominate them now.

Winners not only receive excellent media coverage and a $100 voucher. All nominees receive encouragement award certificates as well as a real boost to their self esteem and confidence.

The Council is offering limited places for a First Aid Level 2 update training course, which will be held on Friday, 7th August 2009 from 9.00am-5.00pm.

The course is a refresher for qualified first aiders so anyone registering must have previously completed a first aid course. Certificates are valid for three years, so if the certification is about to expire or has expired within the last six months, you would be eligible to complete the refresher training.

To check your eligibiliy and to book a place call Michelle on tel: 9932 1203.

A cross cultural forum not to be missed. Presented by Prioletti Consultants, this short forum will provide participants with an understanding of the Muslim community and barriers which prevent them accessing services. 

When: Tuesday, 15th September 2009
Time: 10.00am-12.00pm
Venue: Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre, corner Bell Street and St Georges Road, Preston 3072
Melways ref: 30 E1 (parking on site)
Cost: $55

Book your place at www.prioletticonsultants.com.au, via email: josie@prioletticonsultants.com.au or call tel: 0438 846 584.

If you require information in languages other than English, Council staff members can provide assistance.

Call tel: 131 450 and ask to be connected to Hobsons Bay City Council.

If you've got an event coming up that you'd like to promote to the community, it's easy to add it to the Council's online events calendar.