Tuesday, 17th April

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing today announced that The Gathering Place in Morwell is set to receive infrastructure and facility upgrades thanks to a $15,647 grant from the Andrews Labor Government, under the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Community Facility Fund.

The Latrobe Community Health Service will auspice the LVA grant that will deliver safety improvements and upgraded equipment for The Gathering Place.

The project includes -:
• installation of a new Colourbond fence to create a secure outdoor courtyard area for functions and events,
• installation of a safety barrier to cordon off kitchen from main reception area,
• purchase of new cookery equipment to support the meals program,
• and purchase of four laptops for staff and clients to access the internet and increase their digital skills.
The Aboriginal Gathering Place is about the community coming together to learn, share and to celebrate cultural activity.

The Gathering Place has over 540 people per month sign in their visitors’ book.  In an average week, up to 56 young adults participate in Youth Group.  Each Friday 25 children participate in the Childcare program, several artists come on site three days a week and create and teach art.

The space is also used for family gatherings, elder meetings, family support, Women’s Health Day, ‘Ask Lizzy’, Hippygroup, NAIDOC events and supporting people who may need food and general comfort, and cultural activity.

The Latrobe Valley Authority’s Community Facility Fund supports community-led initiatives and projects that help make the region a great place to live and work.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet;

“The Gathering Place provides various programs, services and activities in our local community and is a vibrant and inclusive hub that engages, recognises and celebrates families, children, youth and elders.“

 Grants like this will enable more people to come to The Gathering Place and participate in its calendar of programs, events, meals, learning, teaching and creative expression, and we’re proud to support it”.