CHARLTON NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE

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 in conjunction with Buloke Shire is pleased to be hosting a fun school holiday event at the Rex Theatre. On Monday April 8, Sarah Botheras, Healthy Kids Advisor with the Shire will lead primary age children in a fun activity decorating pots, then planting a herb to grow. The session will run between 10:30 and 12:30pm, with  a parent or guardian will needing to be present.
​Call 0473 759 456 for more details.

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, with support from the Buloke Shire Council, were pleased to recommence a couple of our popular programs in 2024. On offer again was our Gentle Water Exercise program under the watchful direction of instructor Nicola Kirk. Participants engage in a range of various movements to music in a fun water environment.  Working within your personal limits ensure that nothing to strenuous is undertaken, and everyone involved enjoys the time together very much.
Returning as well was the Water Acclimation program for preschool age children, where the young ones can gain confidence in and around water, while teaching them some safety techniques that could assist in event of a mishap. With their parents or guardians in the water with Nicola, all the children enjoy the fun games and sharing time with others.
Meanwhile our early morning swimmers have been enjoying the warmer weather and the opportunity of starting their days doing a few laps. Thanks go to the Buloke Shire for their support with opening hours and waiving fees for Lifeguards during the season. It is much appreciated by those taking part.

The Charlton Neighbourhood House was proud to have recently arranged an important training session for local residents eager to get their watercraft out on our beautiful lakes and rivers. Presented by Seaton Training, fifteen attendees of various ages from twelve upwards learnt all the aspects of safe and responsible use of boats and jetski’s for the upcoming summer and into the future. All agreed the Marine and Personal Watercraft session was a great opportunity to obtain the training locally and in a friendly relaxed environment.
The training will be of benefit to those who use our waterways by giving boat users the tools to operate safely on the water and while in proximity to other users

With the warmer months upon us, the Charlton Neighbourhood House is pleased to announce that they have arranged Seaton Training Pty Ltd to visit Charlton and deliver their Marine and Personal Watercraft Safety training course. The session, which is being held on December 10, provides the knowledge and skills necessary for participants to obtain their Marine Licence, an essential legal requirement if you are in control of a boat or jet ski on our lakes or waterways. Suitable for adults and children over 12 years old the course will be popular across a wide range of the community. For more information or to register call the Charlton Neighbourhood House on 0473 759 456.