CHARLTON NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE

​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.

Law Week 2024 was again supported in Charlton by the Neighbourhood House, who this year arranged for a lawyer to attend the town and provide general legal advice on wills and future planning. With support from the Victorian Law Foundation and Mallee Family Care Community Legal Centre, Allie made herself available to talk to members of the community at  Charlton Park as part of EWHS’s ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’ event.
A large number of residents took the opportunity to say hello, collect some of the brochures on hand and get referrals to where to obtain more specific information. The important message shared on the night was that wills, powers of attorney and future planning is not something just older people should think about; it is an important subject that people of all ages need to consider in case of a change in circumstances.
The Charlton Neighbourhood House thanked everyone who assisted in the evening, especially the legal team at Mallee Family Care and Allie who volunteered her time for this important session celebrating Law Week. Printed information material is available from the Charlton Neighbourhood House if you would like more details.

The Charlton Neighbourhood House was proud to partner with Buloke Shire and the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation to present a terrific free fun school holiday activity in Charlton recently. Children of various age groups were given the opportunity to decorate a large garden pot with drawings and stickers before filling with potting mix and a wonderful herb.
Under the watchful eye and encouragement of Sarah Botheras and Torri Tillig there were smiles all around as the children excitedly took their pots home to be cared for.  With healthy fruit options very popular to snack on and recipes available for the best way to use the herbs when ready to harvest, everyone agreed it was a wonderful activity. 

The Charlton Neighbourhood House was pleased to welcome back for its first session in 2024 the Buloke Book Club. Meeting on the third Tuesday of each month at the Charlton Library, the participants discuss what they have been reading over the previous month. Not limited strictly to books, interesting journal or magazine stories are also free to be talked about to the group.
Now in its third year, this popular activity also arranges guest speakers and attends events that are relevant to members of the Club. One upcoming show that will be popular with locals is the live play, ‘The dictionary of lost words’ being performed in Melbourne.
A friendly cuppa completes the morning, and the opportunity is also provided to explore the latest additions to the Library’s shelves. The next meeting is on March 19. For further details contact the Charlton Neighbourhood House on 0473 759 456.

‘The Charlton Neighbourhood House was proud to represent all the community involved with the Nyernila Art Trail project at the recent Victorian Community History Awards held in Melbourne at the Arts Centre. Presented by Public Record Office Victoria in partnership with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, the Victorian Community History Awards are held annually to celebrate the people involved in community history projects who are dedicated to telling local stories which help all Victorians to better understand their past. 
Public Record Office Victoria Director and Keeper of Public Records Justine Heazlewood said,
“This year’s winners demonstrate the many varied and contemporary ways the history of Victoria can be told and shared to reach a wider audience. Well done everyone.”
In a collaborative working partnership with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation the aim of Nyernila was to retell the history of the area prior to colonisation. Numerous Djaara artists were commissioned to create artworks sharing their personal journeys and stories of their elders. The project was driven passionately by Charlton Neighbourhood House President Kaylene Cossar and involved many other residents from the area.
Commencing at the Travellers Rest Stop and following the trail along the Avoca river, the permanent open air walking trail exhibition features selected reproductions of Djaara artworks, along with a permanent indoor display currently located at the Charlton Shire Hall.
Thanks must go to the following groups for their financial support of the project. Buloke Shire Council, through the Federal  Government’s Our Region Our Rivers funding, Bendigo Community Bank Charlton & District, FRRR through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
In addition to this award, two other projects from the district were shortlisted and recognised for their contribution to our community. The Sir John Monash Tribute Gardens and the Yeungroon History Project. It was an amazing accomplishment as there were the second largest number of entries into these awards ever, only surpassed by the year 2018 when a huge number of projects were completed focused on the centenary anniversary of the ending of the First World War.

The Charlton Neighbourhood House, in conjunction with Buloke Shire was pleased to be able to have ‘Kites for Kids’ return with their wonderful display of kites. Charlton was indeed fortunate to have Jo and Ricky Baker take time to visit and share their passion for kites with the community.  Travelling the world to such exotic places as India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand and locations across Australia to fly kites at festivals is a long way from our small rural town. Indeed the following day they were booked to appear in Geelong after previously being in Bondi, NSW putting on a display.
A large number of families attended St Joseph’s Primary School oval and had the opportunity to colour and assemble a free kite kit provided as part of the day. With volunteer helpers on hand for those who needed it, the kites when completed were then able to be enjoyed. While the gusty winds made controlling the giant kites difficult, it wasn’t long before a few great displays were up in the sky.

The Charlton Neighbourhood House was pleased to host a very special ‘living’ story time as part of it’s school holiday activities. Rebecca Cossar introduced some special friends to an enthusiastic group of young people who were able to get to enjoy learning about chickens. In conjunction with the Charlton Library, children were able to collect some fun holiday reading, then come outside and have some snacks and enjoy time catching up with friends. The children were very careful when becoming familiar with handling the young birds and lots of questions were asked about keeping and caring for them.
The activity wasn’t only interesting for children. A number of locals made up the 40 plus people attending keen to get advice and tips on keeping chickens in an urban environment. Council regulations, reference material, coop ideas, food and more were all discussed with several attendees keen to get involved.
Storytime is held on the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Charlton Library in Armstrong Street from 10:30 to 11:30 where special local guests lead the children in some fun readings. Parents enjoy the social side of getting together and sharing time together as well.

The Charlton Neighbourhood House is again be proud to be partnering with the Good Things Foundation Australia to celebrate Get On-line Week. An activity being held in Charlton on Wednesday October 18 will have information and tips on what to be conscious of with scams. Several guest presenters will be in attendance including Tim Burnham, local NBN ambassador.  As online and phone scams become sadly more prevalent, this is an excellent opportunity to pick up some knowledge on what to look out for when contacted by suspect messages or calls.
The morning will include lots of prizes and giveaways as well as morning tea. With support from The Good Things Foundation this is a totally free event, but note bookings are essential. Visit www.charltonnh.org.au or call the Charlton Neighbourhood House on 0473 759 456. Limited places available so book early.