CHARLTON NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE

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.

“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.