New committee in the house

Front row, left to right: Junelle Wilson, Margaret Simmons, Charlie Helyar, Tony Arrigo. Back row, left to right: Davina Veenstra, Jo-Anne Kamphius, Ray Potter, Carmelina Arrigo.

By Danielle Kutchel

Bunyip and District Community House has welcomed its new 2019-2020 committee in a warm and bustling ceremony.

Around 40 people attended the Community House’s AGM on Monday 5 August, including Cardinia Shire mayor Graeme Moore, team leader community development Tim Cooper and community development facilitator Helena Moloney.

During the meeting the exiting committee were thanked for their hard work and dedication before a new committee was elected.

Charlie Helyar will take the reins as president, with Tony Arrigo elected vice president.

Margaret Simmons will take up the position of treasurer, Junelle Wilson is the new secretary and Jo-Anne Kamphuis, Carmelina Arrigo and Ray Potter comprise the general committee.

Ms Wilson said the new committee was committed to the community and excited to see the house continue to progress.

“We plan to consult the community to find out what they feel is needed in the area. We are also hoping to set up a “friends of the community house” group to encourage community engagement,” Ms Wilson said.

The committee will preside over an exciting year of projects including the annual Bunyip X-Factor competition, which will be held on Saturday 19th October. Entry is now open for five to 15 year olds in singing, dancing and entertainment and interested performers should contact the community house on 5629 5877 to enter.

An “access to work” program will commence in term 4 for people wanting help to return to the workforce, in collaboration with Maxima Employment and TAFE.

The House currently runs a number of classes for community members, including arts and computer classes, butterfly dance lessons for young girls, genealogy and singing lessons, with the dancers recently holding a concert for family and friends to show off what they had learned.