Community Projects
Community Projects are a key component of the PNH Vision and Mission. The following are recently completed and ongoing projects at PNH:
Carry bags for Portarlington Toy Library (PTL)
November 2023 - completed
Initiated by Drysdale/Portarlington Lions Club. PNH sewed 30 large carry bags using materials supplied by the Lions Club.
PNH Playgroup
March 2023 - completed. Playgroup commenced February 2024.
Initiated by community members feedback at PNH office, plus CoGG Family Services, Community Life Directorate, and Supported Playgroup Facilitator who was looking to relocate a small existing playgroup supported by CoGG. CoGG recognised the need for the Portarlington community to have a playgrou, and the initiative is also supported by the local Maternal Health Service. The project included finding sponsorship, buy equipment, develop regulatory framework and launch.
Community Needs Workshop
April 2024 - completed
Initiated by PNH Committee to research community need. The workshop was attended by representatives from: Greater Geelong & Queenscliff Mental Health Wellbeing Locak, BCH Youth Health and Wellbeing, Portarlington Cricket Club, Food Assist 3223, Church By the Bay, Salvation Army, Portarlington/Drysdale Lions Club, and Bellarine Police unit. Portarlington Football and Netball Club were unable to attend but requested to be udpated on outcome.
The workshop identified isolation and disconnection as a theme; both interms of local organisations and people. In particular, the workshop explored how isolation can impact youth, then discussed the benefits of providing social opportunities. Providing social opportunity is part of the PNH mission.
Six community projects were identified to move PNH closer to the PNH vision, and to have positive impact on social cohesion in Portarlington:
- Youth Hub/Club
- Kids Club (primary school age)
- Connecting local clubs and services, particularly for referrals
- Community Kitchen for adults
- Youth Employment (particularly for part-time students)
- PNH activties or events for families
PNH Youth Hub Project
May 2024 - in progress
In process of scoping and finding right personnel for project team.