CHARLTON NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE

To celebrate Law Week 2023, the Charlton Neighbourhood House was pleased to partner with the Victorian Law Foundation to produce and distribute free ‘End of Life Planners’ to the Charlton Community. Over 40 people took advantage of the package that included information pamphlets from the Office of the Public Advocate, Legal Aid, and the Victorian Law Foundation.
While not a substitute for a Legal Will or Powers of Attorney, the planner lets family and friends know a persons wishes across a range of areas from burial or cremation options, the disposal of sentimental objects, to the care of pets. Medical treatment options were also listed as well as information on where to obtain both local legal advice and that from larger organizations.
Copies will also be distributed to a number of clubs and organizations for members of all ages to record their feelings on what should happen in the event of an untimely passing. The Charlton Neighbourhood House was grateful for the funding provided again by the Victorian Law Foundation to assist local residents at what can be a most difficult time. If you like a copy of the planner drop in or call the Charlton Neighbourhood House on 0473 759 456.

​“The Charlton Neighbourhood Houses’ regular Table for 12 cooking sessions at the North Central Trade School  continued in April with popular local Robbie Spruhan hosting a fun filled evening of making Pasties. Well known around town for his wonderful pastry items, Robbie provided participants across a range of ages with all the necccersary ingredients and instructions to proceed and assemble 4 delicious pasties each. Abley assisted by Neville Cloak, the participants produced some terrific food that was sampled socially on the night, with the remainder being taken home to be enjoyed. All agreed it was a great evening and were keen to take part in future sessions.
The classes continue in May with winter Vegan Curries being hosted by Tessa Fitzpatrick, and Pad Thai with Kim Thompson in June. Book your place today through the Charlton Neighbourhood House to avoid disappointment.”

​“With the reopening of the Charlton Swimming Pool, the Charlton Neighbourhood House was pleased to be able to recommence several of their summer activities. These included the return of the weekly Gentle Water Exercise sessions, preschoolers Water Acclimation classes, and the ever popular early morning swim program.
Much thanks is owed to Buloke Shire staff and contractors who worked hard to get the pool open as soon as possible after flood damage to equipment, and for waiving the lifeguard fees for these activities.
Places are still available for the early morning swimming on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and gentle exercises classes on Wednesday afternoons. All enquires to the Charlton Neighbourhood House on 0473 759. 456.”

​“Recently, Shelley Nelson and Hayley Soulsby successfully held a very special morning tea in Charlton to raise funds for Breast Cancer research. Starting with an idea that followed on from an earlier fund raiser that involved Hayley doing a month daily squats, the thought of combining food and raising money seemed a lot more sensible. Last year, Shelley, Hayley and seven other locals walked 60km’s in ten days for the Peter McCallum Cancer Foundation, with the team raising over $19,000.
After a postponement due to the recent flood emergency, the date was rescheduled and a great crowd turned out in support of the event. Pink decorations, games, a silent auction, raffles and a wonderful spread of delicious morning tea treats were on offer, and assistance from many helpers ensured the morning was a great success. Thanks go also to Buloke Shire for making the venue available at no charge and the Charlton Neighbourhood House for their support.
The strength and generosity of the Charlton community was again shown with $2,824 being raised by those attending, and with online donations, in excess of $4,000 was the events final result. Hayley and Shelley wish to give a huge thankyou to all those who attended and helped make the day the success it was.”

​‘With so many interruptions and cancellations to events and activities due to the flood emergency, the Charlton Neighbourhood House has been fortunate to be able to reschedule its planned ‘Get On-line Week’ activity to the week commencing October 31.
With support from The Good Things Foundation Australia, Get On-line Week give residents the chance to enhance the technology knowledge on mobile devices and computers. As was the case during the COVID lockdowns, the importance of having instant availability to emergency information  was highlighted again over the past week or so. Phone and tablet Apps that can keep you updated on weather events, emergency information, and road closures shows how important it is to have access to this technology. It can also keep you in contact with family and friends.
All week, from Monday October 31, (closed for Melbourne Cup Day), residents are encouraged to book a suitable time to come to the Charlton Neighbourhood House and have your questions answered about tech issues you may have. Maybe you don’t know how to access your Apps Store, do you need to know how to send a picture or document. Perhaps you want to access your MyGov account. You will be happily assisted with your enquiry. Book now by calling 0473759456’ 

​Perfect clear skies and a still night accompanied the Charlton Neighbourhood Houses National Science Weeks Stargazing Evening on Saturday August 20. Over 30 Charlton residents took advantage of a visit by three members of Bendigo’s Astronomical Society of Victoria, and their amazing telescopes. With support from the Royal Society of Victoria, whose charter is to promote scientific knowledge for the benefit of Victorians, all those attending were amazed at what was able to be experienced.
Firstly, it was wonderful to be able to see a large number of satellites passing across the Charlton sky with the naked eye. People were then given a brief explananation about what could be seen and details on the Milky Way and some of the constellations. The telescopes then homed in on a range of planets such as Saturn, with its rings, and its moon Titan, Jupiter, and star clusters such as 47 Tucanare and Omega Centauri. The light from these stars will have been travelling through the universe for hundreds, thousands, and in some cases millions of years before reaching us.
Many people took advantage of downloading free APPS onto the mobile phones to identify what objects could be seen, and how many star signs such as Pisces and Sagittarius are formed; the Southern Cross also being clearly identified. There were many requests for further similar events in the future and the guest presenters were very impressed by the amount of interest shown by all those attending.

​It was very pleasing to see another group of Charlton locals gaining their Responsible Service of Alcohol Certification after successfully completing training organised by the Charlton Neighbourhood House.
Reasons for attending the evening were varied, and ranged from volunteers wanting to assist local clubs and organizations at licenced events, to possible future employment possibilities. Training was provided by Access Skill Training in Bendigo, and it was noted by several of the participants that being able to do the course locally saved having to travel a long distance at night.
The training company returns to Charlton on Sunday September 18 to present yet another certificate course: this time First Aid and CPR. With no other sessions planned later this year, this will be the ideal opportunity for those wanting First Aid qualifications, or to update their CPR certificates to do so. Contact the Charlton Neighbourhood House on 0473759456 for further details or to book your place

​With the warmer weather fast approaching, the Charlton Neighbourhood House is again pleased to be offering its popular Marine Licence and Personal Watercraft (Jet ski) Certificate Endorsement. If you are twelve years or older (15 for jet ski’s) you must hold a valid licence to operate a boat on Victorian waterways.
Licence fees are payable to VicRoads to obtain your Marine Licence after the successful completion of the session by Seaton Training. By hosting this course in Charlton, people around the district do not have to travel long distances for this essential course.
The training day is being held at the Charlton Senior Citizens Room on Sunday October 23, 10am to 2pm, with a special price of just $120. Early bookings on 0473 759 456 are advised to avoid disappointment. This training is offered at the start of the warmer weather and wont be held again until 2023.