Improving Darebin's health and community services

✓ Upgrade and Integration of Preston Library as Community Hubs

Transform Preston Library by linking it with other libraries, creating Community Hubs where residents feel safe and engaged. These hubs will provide user-friendly access to high-quality facilities and a variety of services, fostering a strong community focus.

✓ Expanding Services and Community Engagement

Reimagine libraries and neighbourhood houses to be more than just places for borrowing books. These spaces will offer a range of activities, excursions, and seminars focused on health and wellbeing. By expanding services, residents can engage in further education and participate in community-centric events.

✓ Julie’s Initiatives for Community Support:

• ✓ Advocacy and Awareness:

  • Host seminars and awareness classes addressing issues impacting the Darebin community.

  • Encourage participation from all community members to foster understanding and support for diverse concerns.

• ✓ Library Upgrades:

  • Enhance the Gower St Preston Library with private cubicles, additional rooms, improved mobile and booking services, extended hours, a free toy library, and new furnishings.

• ✓ Town Hall Utilisation:

  • Screen movies for secondary school children during school holidays, twice a week.

  • Trial Rock n Roll and Ballroom Dancing nights at the town hall.

• ✓ Community Excursions and Activities:

  • Organise adult excursions to support community service initiatives such as serving the homeless or environmental activities like tree planting.

  • Plan group trips to museums, galleries, zoos, and other cultural sites.

  • Support wellbeing initiatives, including walking or cycling groups.

• ✓ Health and Wellbeing Seminars:

  • Offer seminars on health warning signs for stroke, heart attacks, and menopause.

  • Provide wellbeing and Pilates classes for gentle exercise.

• ✓ Community Engagement Activities:

  • Host Bingo days with prizes from local businesses.

  • Many residents lack computer access; these forums will enable greater engagement.

• ✓ Skill-Building Workshops:

  • Offer workshops in jewellery making, tapestry, knitting, crochet, stained glass, quilting, invention, gardening ideas, games, and trivia.

• ✓ Informational Seminars:

  • Address everyday concerns such as starting a business, job interview techniques, and issues related to alcohol, drugs, depression, and gambling.

  • Provide guidance on parenting, dealing with teenage issues, cyberbullying, creating a will, and becoming an organ donor.

• ✓ Educational Support for School Children:

  • Provide assistance with schoolwork, homework, and assignments on specific days for different year levels.

• ✓ Parents’ Health and Wellbeing Seminars:

  • Offer seminars addressing concerns of parents, including first-time parents, new fathers, and grandparents.

  • Provide breastfeeding consultations and support for new mothers, especially those coping with premature births.

By implementing these initiatives, Julie aims to create a more engaged, informed, and supportive community within Darebin.