CHARLTON NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE

The Charlton Neighbourhood House in conjunction with ‘The Centre’ Community College was proud to recently present a terrific opportunity for locals to undertake a free nationally recognised Chemical Users Course. Chemical handling training is crucial for ensuring safety in environments where hazardous substances are present. Proper training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to handle chemicals safely, thereby minimizing risks of accidents and health issues. This training covered essential practices such as proper storage, handling procedures, and emergency response protocols.
By understanding how to use personal protective equipment (PPE), handle spills, and manage chemical reactions, workers can significantly reduce the likelihood of exposure to harmful substances. This is vital not only for the health of individuals but also for maintaining a safe working environment. Additionally, chemical handling training helps organizations comply with legal regulations and standards, avoiding potential fines and legal issues.
Moreover, well-trained chemical users contribute to operational efficiency by preventing costly accidents and downtime. In essence, chemical handling training is an investment in both human safety and organizational well-being, fostering a culture of responsibility and vigilance in managing hazardous materials.
Special thanks go to The Centre, your Community College for providing the training to our community, and Buloke Shire with the use of Shire facilities.

​RU OK? Day is an annual event in Australia dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Held on the second Thursday of September, it encourages people to connect with others and ask the simple, yet powerful, question: "Are you okay?" This day serves as a reminder that a caring conversation can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Charlton Neighbourhood House and others across the Mallee and northern Victoria are proud to be supporting this important initiative again.
The day emphasizes that mental health struggles can affect anyone and that reaching out with genuine concern can offer support to those in need. It promotes the idea that checking in on friends, family, and colleagues and actively listening to their responses can help foster a supportive community.
RU OK? Day is not just about one day of action but aims to inspire ongoing conversations and support systems. It highlights the importance of being proactive in mental health and encourages people to make asking "Are you okay?" a regular part of their interactions. By normalizing these conversations, RU OK? Day seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage more people to seek help when they need it.
The Charlton Neighbourhood House this year organized a ‘Duck Hunt’ around the town, with participating businesses hiding ducks in their shop or window. Residents could locate a duck and bring it along to a very special afternoon tea on Thursday September 12 celebrating the message of RU OK? Day. Along with the important message being shared, prizes were awarded to those ‘lucky ducks’ discovered. Everyone involved agreed it was a wonderful way to raise awareness on this initiative. Thank you to Buloke Shire for their support along with the Mallee Network of Neighbourhood Houses.