Volunteers call

By Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong’s oldest neighbourhood house is calling for more volunteers to help fuel its community programs.
The Keysborough Learning Centre this week received a $5000 boost to its volunteer program from the State Government, but admitted its annual funding forces it to run ‘on the sniff of an oily rag’.
According to education program coordinator Mary Fox, tight funding makes volunteers an essential part of its service delivery.
While the centre is hunting for any volunteers it can find, Ms Fox said it would like to attract people with disabilities and who speak a second language to diversify its volunteer pool.
The 30-year-old neighbourhood house offers a variety of educational programs aimed at young adults and adults, including the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL), and accredited vocational training and computer training.
It is also home to the Men’s Shed and Men’s Maintenance programs which provide opportunities for isolated adult men to become more proficient handymen in a shed environment, while helping the house.
“They’ve built ramps around the centre, have revamped the computer room … (the men) have done a fantastic job, and have also helped out fixing doors,” Ms Fox said.
“It is not only a great cost saver, it has made such a big difference for them.”
Keysborough Learning Centre also runs a food bank program which includes delivering donated bread loaves to disadvantaged families.
But to cope with demand for the bread delivery service, Ms Fox said more volunteers were required.
“We could do with about 10 extra volunteers,” she said.
“Volunteers need to be able to commit to coming in at least once a month, and at least coming in and sorting and helping with distribution.
“It is better if they have a car to drive, but if not there are still jobs they can do.”
She said more volunteers are welcome for the Men’s Shed and Men’s Maintenance program.
Volunteers will also help with a future mentoring program currently in planning stage, Ms Fox said.
Lyndhurst MP Tim Holding said the $5000 grant would go towards developing brochures and display banners to promote volunteerism with the centre.
To volunteer at the centre, contact Denis Minogue at the Keysborough Learning Centre on 9798 7005.