By CASEY NEILL
“MAY all who visit this centre find hope, be empowered and experience a Brand New Day.”
These were the final words from Margo Hartley as she officially opened the Brand New Day care and empowerment centre in Dandenong on 15 November.
The charity has been 10 years in the making, since Mrs Hartley heard children were attending Dandenong Primary School on an empty stomach and couldn’t concentrate in class.
“I was really saddened to see and hear of the number of desperate and destitute families and single mums and dads struggling and not knowing what to do next,” she said.
“Many had lost their confidence and had no one to turn to for help and never seemed to get a lucky break.”
Mrs Hartley came across a home in Foster Street East built in 1928 and earmarked for demolition to make way for apartments.
She’s instead restored it to its former glory and opened it to vulnerable, isolated, lonely families and individuals as a safe haven to enjoy activities, learn new skills and meet new friends.
It will house classes in life skills, referral assistance, counseling and support.
“During the 18 months of renovating we had all of our copper pipes stolen, syringes found in the garden, continued graffiti on the garage and neighbours objecting to the project,” she said.
But the hard work was worth it.
City of Greater Dandenong CEO John Bennie said he knew Mrs Hartley’s vision would materialize.
“Brand New Day is a welcome, safe environment for the vulnerable, the isolated and the residents in need,” he said.
“There is a highly demonstrated need for this care and empowerment centre.”
Mr Bennie said Brand New Day offered opportunities to learn, and shared the name of an apt Van Morrison song.
“That beautiful morning sun shines on 211 Foster Street and I feel confident that those who will benefit from Brand New Day will quickly come to regard this beautiful house as the place, as Van Morrison said, that lights their life with love,” he said.
Margot Eaton, who previously worked at Dandenong High School, is the centre’s co-ordinator and will work alongside volunteers.
The centre has a counseling room, laundry facilities, a children’s room, a bungalow in the back garden and job seeker area with four computers.
“If required we even have a wardrobe of clothing they may choose from when attending interviews,” Mrs Hartley said.
Volunteers can help people fill out forms and there’s a kitchen where chefs will demonstrate how to cook meals on a budget.
“Our vegie garden will not only act as a source of supply to our kitchen, but it will also help clients establish their own vegetable garden,” Mrs Hartley said.
“Other courses will be added when necessary to accommodate people’s needs.
“I have really tried to decorate and furnish this centre in a way that is inviting and calming for all who visit, and hope it is a lovely experience for all who attend.”
Brand New Day is at 211 Foster Street East, Dandenong, and is open 9am to 5pm weekdays.
Call 8774 3130 for more information or to book.
