CHARLTON NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE

“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.”

As part of our annual Get On-line Week of activities the Charlton Neighbourhood House was again proud to partner with the Good Things Foundation and host an informative workshop on digital and on-line scam awareness and on-line safety. Held in the Rex Theatre’s ‘Green Room’ a group of interested residents learnt some of the tips and tricks to be wary of in the digital world. Guest presenters included Michelle Jenkyn and Jayne Burton from CommBank, Michelle Ride from Bendigo Bank, and Tim Burnham, Community Ambassador, NBN Local.
In a world where more and more of us use on-line banking, shopping and delivery services, participants were informed on the best ways to avoid being taken advantage of or inadvertently passing over their details. Advice or suspicious text messages, small initial deductions from accounts, and phone call from people representing themselves from banks or computer delivery services were also touched on.
With the support of Good Things Foundation attendees received a range of informative handouts further expanding on the discussion and also some handy giveaways. A nice morning tea and chat concluded the mornings activities.  If you were unable to attend, the Charlton Neighbourhood House has some information material that may be of value to you still available.

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 free movie session at the Rex Theatre to celebrate our towns wonderful carers and Seniors Week. A crowd of both local residents and others from across the Buloke Shire were entertained with the Doris Day, Howard Keel classic ‘Calamity Jane’. With numerous foot tapping tunes and a terrific cast there wasn’t a disappointed attendee in the house.  The Neighbourhood House thanks Carers Victoria for its generous support of this initiative to recognise the contribution of those who care for family members or friends, and our districts older residents who helped forge the community we live in today.
The Charlton Carers Group meet on the second Tuesday of each month at the East Charlton Hotel for a light lunch, fellowship, and a guest speaker. For all enquiries contact the Neighbourhood House on 0473 759 456.

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.

The Charlton community has rallied to get behind an important initiative lead by the Charlton Forum and Charlton Neighbourhood House. A range of work has been undertaking to beautify areas of the town, with many hours being undertaken mostly by volunteers from the North Central Garden Club, Lions, Flexible Learning Options program students, Beautify Charlton, CWA, OASIS, and civic minded individuals. The High Street concrete garden pots were given a lick of paint and some new plantings to enhance the new coloured tourism surrounds, while existing garden beds were weeded and trimmed back in preparation for spring growth. The Buloke Shire has assisted by donating some materials, waiving tip fees and clearing rubbish away.
The main effort has concentrated around the access lane between the Globe Hotel and commercial building next door. Trimming of non-native plantings, removing rocks and rubble, erecting a new fence, painting and laying of suitable all access walkway toppings. A huge thanks go to local trades people including Darren Mills, who has been co-ordinating the program, Wes Jenkyn, Chris Mathews and Brad Getley for all freely giving their time and expertise for the program. The end result will be a clearly defined access lane between the High Street and Avoca River precinct.
A thankyou BBQ concluded the mornings work, and everyone was extremely pleased on what had been accomplished by the group. This will be appreciated by the many visitors expected to our town over the coming months. Contact the Charlton Neighbourhood House if you would like details on how you can get involved with further planned activities, including a public art work proposed in the newly refurbished laneway.

The Charlton Neighbourhood House was pleased to present for the community an informative session on the best ways to submit successful grants for local clubs and organizations. Hosted by Rhonda Allan from the Mallee Sports Assembly, attendees learnt some of the key elements and best tips that organizations look for when considering applications.
With several local groups being represented on the morning, those attending all agreed it was a terrific session that will greatly assist any future funding grants. As many organizations seek to expand their facilities, purchase new equipment or assist in perhaps commemorating an occasion, the available pool of funding being offered often is limited. This course was valuable in offering up the best chance in succeeding with an application. Enquire today with the Charlton Neighbourhood House if you would like to take part in any upcoming activities.”