The Bisinella Community Centre is entering an exciting new phase, with Cloverdale Community Centre taking over management and bringing with it a fresh vision for what the beloved Lara facility can offer the community.
When the previous operator ceased running the centre, Bisinella Developments moved swiftly to ensure there was no disruption to the vital services and connections the space provides.
"After the Lara Community Centre ceased operating, Bisinella moved quickly to identify a new operator to ensure the smoothest possible transition for the community," Managing Director Richard Bisinella said.
"We are sincerely grateful to the team from Cloverdale for stepping up and supporting the continued operation of the Bisinella Community Centre."
Cloverdale Community Centre was a natural fit for the role. With a number of staff and volunteers living within the Lara community and strong existing relationships with local organisations, Cloverdale's philosophy of genuine place-based community development, listening to community and offering a hand up rather than a handout, aligned closely with the values Bisinella has always championed.
Cloverdale Community Centre Chief Executive Officer Liz Bonner said the organisation was proud to take on the stewardship of such an important community asset.
"The Bisinella Community Centre is a vital space for the people of Lara and we are committed to ensuring it continues to serve the community well into the future," Liz said.
"We look forward to building on what is already here and working with the community to shape what comes next."
Cloverdale Community Centre Board Chair Rebecca Taylor said maintaining continuity for existing users was the number one priority throughout the transition.
"We worked hard to ensure we listened to community, heard both their frustrations and suggestions throughout the transition, and worked hard to keep things as seamless as possible," Rebecca said.
"We understand how vital safe and consistent social connections are for individuals and communities."
That commitment has paid off, with all existing programs and user groups continuing to operate without interruption, providing the social connections that so many in the Lara community rely on.
Rebecca said Bisinella's support throughout the process had made a significant difference.
"Bisinella have been incredibly supportive throughout, with clear communication, words of encouragement and their deep commitment to supporting community," she said.
Now that the transition is complete, attention is turning to what comes next. Cloverdale is working with partners to develop additional pre-accredited training opportunities in community services and horticulture for Lara residents. There are also plans to introduce a wellbeing service and a range of new programmes to complement what is already on offer.
Among the most exciting upcoming initiatives is 'Seed to Sanctuary', a nature-based social prescribing programme developed in partnership with Wyld Work Projects and Parks Victoria. The programme will incorporate pathways to education and employment alongside opportunities for improved mental and emotional wellbeing.
Rebecca described the Bisinella Community Centre as a vital 'third space' for the Lara community, a safe and neutral environment that supports social connection, sitting alongside home and work or school in people's daily lives.
"Bisinella Community Centre provides a safe place for community to gather, connect, learn, grow and explore," Rebecca said.
"We would like community to know they are very welcome here. This is your community space. Please come and say hello. We love meeting new people and we love to support community ideas."
The Bisinella Community Centre is located in Lara and is open to all members of the community. To find out more, contact Cloverdale Community Centre.