By CASEY NEILL
SPRINGVALE Learning and Activities Centre has been part of Leah Douglas’s life since she was four years old.
“For whatever reason I started doing calisthenics there,” she said.
“That wasn’t really my thing – that didn’t last long.”
But her connection to the then-Springvale Youth Club has lasted. In October, at age 43 and as committee president she attended her 21st SLAC annual general meeting.
“It’s such an important part of Springvale, and it’s energising to be making a difference,” she said.
Leah moved on from calisthenics to jazz ballet, gymnastics and more.
“It was just one of those places that was always fun,” she said.
“As a teenager I even worked there.
“On top of doing activities there I was an assistant gymnastics coach.”
She taught dance and lent a hand in reception.
“I was co-opted onto the committee when I was 22 and I’ve been there ever since,” she said.
“I haven’t lived in Springvale for the past 18 years, but I just thought that what the centre does is important.
“I’d always been raised with that ethos of volunteering and putting back in.”
SLAC has been a family affair for the Douglases. Leah’s mum Beverley this year won the Greater Dandenong Citizen of the Year Award for her 38-plus year dedication to SLAC.
The organisation first opened its doors in 1945 as the Springvale Youth Club.
It changed to Springvale Community Centre before taking on its current title in 2007.
Research into its history is underway to celebrate its 70th anniversary, and stories and photographs will form a publication.
“To achieve that we need to fund-raise,” Leah said.
SLAC is also fund-raising to replace its stage curtain, which is more than 40 years old.
“Our biggest challenges these days are challenges in getting funding,” Leah said.
“A lot of our funding is dependent on government.”
She’s tried approaching local businesses for support and partnerships.
“We’re always open to new ideas and suggestions and exploring new things,” she said.
“That’s how we can maintain our relevance.
“We’ve always been a centre that moves with the community and the needs of the community.
“Our main purpose is to provide those services for disadvantaged people to help them help themselves.”
Another challenge is the ageing Osborne Avenue building that SLAC calls home.
“If we were able to have a newer and bigger facility we would be able to fill it with activities for the local community,” Leah said.
“We do have hopes of different developments that are going to be happening on the old Springvale council site.
“No one knows what’s happening with that yet.
Contact SLAC on 9547 2647 to get involved with the history project or make a donation.
