CHARLTON NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE

The Charlton Neighbourhood House was pleased to be a part of a very special 'FLO Cafe' morning at the Rex Theatre recently. Our guest was the retiring local Policeman Nigel McDonald who has served our community for many years.  Local residents were given the opportunity to wish him well and share in a cake prepared for the occasion.  Police colleagues also popped along to say goodbye.

A small band of enthusiatic locals have taken part in a two-day course where basic tips and hints were learnt. With young photographer Chloe Smith passing on her knowledge to the group of the best ways to take pictures in various modes. Everyone attending were appreciative of Chloes assistance and were eager to put their new skills into practice.

An enthusastic group of budding artists assembled recently to enjoy a social afternoon of water colour painting. Under the watchful eye of talented artist Kate Giakimis the group were provided with paints, brushes and canvases to explore their hidden talents.
Some wonderful works were completed on the day and everyone agreed it was a friendly fun activity which they hope will happen again. For more courses and programs contact the Neighbourhood House or explore our website.

​The Charlton Neighbourhood House was excited to host a very popular activity that was well supported by our community. David Beatty led the class that instructed residents in the art of weaving using wooden looms. With the spacious well-lit location of the Charlton Senior Citizens Rooms, participants were greeted with an array of machines that would be theirs for the day.
Wooden looms have a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. The earliest looms appeared around 5 BC and were simple wooden frames designed to hold threads in place for weaving. Over time, these looms evolved, incorporating innovations like heddles and treadles to make weaving more efficient. The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes, with wooden looms transitioning to mechanized versions. However, traditional wooden looms are still cherished today for handweaving and artisanal crafts.

The eager participants received some first hand knowledge from Davis and created some basic items to take away. All agreed it was a terrific activity and are keen to return and continue their education in weaving.

For details of these and other exciting activities or courses call the Charlton Neighbourhood House on 0473 759 456 for further details.”

​The Charlton Neighbourhood House had a fantastic response to our recent Lino Cut Workshop held in Charlton at the Senior Citizens Room. Attendees created some amazing works of art under the eyes of hosts Kristie Dean and Kristie Witt. Contact the Neighbourhood House for all our upcoming craft course such as Watercolour and Basket Weaving workshops.

​The Charlton Neighbourhood House has again been pleased to welcome back Nicola Kirk, who leads the Gentle Water Exercises Classes for our enthusiastic group of locals. With the weather being ideal for time in the pool, the classes have been very much appreciated and well attended. Contact the Neighbourhood House for all our activity and programs currently running or coming up.

​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.