Charlton skies were recently filled with colourful kites as children up to primary school age were given free kites to celebrate Children’s Week. The Charlton Neighbourhood House was successful in securing a grant through the Victorian Governments Department of Education, which went the majority of the way to cover the costs. Initially it was planned to have a family kite flying day similar to the successful event held last year, but with COVID-19 guidelines still needing to be observed, that was not possible. Instead kites were distributed to the Charlton P-12 College, St Josephs Primary School, Charlton Pre-school and the Charlton Playgroup. Just as much fun was had by children decorating their kites as flying them, and if lack of wind was an issue, some imaginative children used household fans. It is hoped to again see the return of the huge decorative kites that were flown last year in Charlton, and for families to bring their kites out anytime the winds allow it.
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Sunday morning in Charlton was a hive of activity. There were whistles blowing, people in high vis clothing pounding the streets on foot, bikes, and skateboards, all armed with cameras. The Charlton Neighbourhood House had a team of photographers helping the project ‘Out Standing In…’ become an outstanding success. The team of over 30 photographers, responsible for one street each set off to snap a few pictures of not just the residents, but their pets, projects, and activities they have enjoyed during coronavirus. The laughter and story telling that could be heard as neighbours who had not seen each other for weeks reconnected, was delightful. It was not just the town, but the surrounding districts have been captured too and EWHS worked with CNH to take pictures of the patients also. The CNH committees’ concept was to simply capture a moment in the history of Charlton, to share with loved ones that are geographically separated. “While COVID-19 is invisible to the eye, a very visible component has been the wearing of masks and physical distancing in our community, said CNH President Kaylene Cossar. “We wanted to be able to capture residents smiling faces, so we needed to keep them on their own properties to adhere to the restrictions.” Kaylene added “We want to use these images as a way of keeping people connected, there will be multiple end products and many possibilities are being explored, a film, photo cards, calendar and book, but for now we are sharing them on social media for friends and family to enjoy”. These have been well received as past resident Jenny Southwell said “ Being unable to get back to visit, these photos have given me a huge smile every time I see them, particularly when mum and dad popped up! What a wonderful idea. Congratulations on a superb project for Charlton. Charlton will always be home despite living far away.” Congratulating the Neighbourhood House resident Robin McRae said, “What a great community exercise & something that only happens in a great community! Some amongst us have taken a massive financial & life hit and you pray they pull through ok. For us, the passing of a lifelong friend we could not say goodbye to. Through it all I know we say "no we are ok" where in fact we are not because the same as all of us distancing & masks take away two of the most important factors of connection and feeling a part of the fabric of community. Then this idea comes along proving we are all part of a great community. The best!” The Neighbourhood House hosted the Buloke Shire morning tea, as their launch event for Volunteer Week. The Buloke CEO, Anthony Judd spoke about the value of volunteers in small communities, and as an organisation that relies on volunteers, we understand that they are invaluable. The Charlton Neighbourhood House took the opportunity to announce their initiative ‘Volunteer of the Month Award’. Residents are encouraged to pop a name into the ‘volunteer house’ and once a month a random winner is selected. The volunteer receives a coffee and cake voucher donated by Timeless Treasures Tearooms, a personalized thank you letter and are noted in the Charlton Community Newsletter, as a small token of appreciation. The first recipient was Liz Minister, receiving her voucher from committee member Marea Judd. |
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