In the heart of Yarra Glen, a small township 60 kilometres northeast of Melbourne, stands a community cornerstone that has been bringing people together for four decades. This year marks the 40th birthday of the Yarra Glen District Living and Learning Centre, an institution that has remained true to its founding vision since 1985: providing a place for people to come together in an atmosphere of equality, to share their skills and experiences, and to enjoy each other’s companionship.
From Humble Beginnings to Community Hub
The Centre’s journey began in rented premises on Yarra Glen’s main street. After securing a grant of $17,000 from the regional TAFE board in 1988, apprentices at Ferntree Gully College of TAFE constructed a portable building that was erected near the old railway station in April 1990. Five years later, the Centre found its permanent home at McKenzie Reserve, co-locating with the tennis club—a move that proved advantageous for sharing facilities.
Today, the Centre continues to be run by a volunteer Committee of Management alongside a paid Office and Program Coordinator. While the Shire maintains the exterior of the building and surrounds, the Centre’s dedicated team cares for the interior, creating a welcoming environment for the community of 3500-4000 residents.
The Blossoming of a Community Garden
One of the Centre’s most cherished features is its community garden, which has its own rich history. What began in 2008 as a group called “Veging Out”—locals interested in establishing vegetable gardens at home—evolved into something much more significant.
Following the bushfires of 2009, the Centre received offers of help to establish a community garden. By 2013, with funding from Sustainable Gardens Australia and the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, the garden took root as part of the Bush Fire Recovery process. The project transformed the grounds with garden beds, fruit trees, vegetable seedlings, irrigation systems, and more.
The garden’s development continued in 2017 with landscaping and mulching, supported by a grant from Bendigo Bank Connected Communities Melbourne. The involvement of John Ferris from Edible Forest Gardens brought new plantings and workshops, transitioning the garden’s purpose to provide activities for the whole community to develop skills and knowledge.
By 2018, secure fencing was installed with funding from the Freemason Foundation Victoria, and today, the garden continues to be a vibrant gathering place. The garden group meets on the first Monday of each month (except January), welcoming anyone interested in getting their hands dirty while fostering connections with neighbours.
Looking Forward to the Next Chapter
As the Centre celebrates this milestone anniversary, it remains committed to its vision of providing a safe, welcoming environment where skills and ideas are shared, making a difference in people’s lives, and providing a greater sense of wellbeing and belonging.
The newly released Term 2 program offers a fresh selection of activities for all age groups, continuing the Centre’s mission of keeping the community connected. Details of these programs can be found in the advertisement accompanying this article.
For four decades, the Yarra Glen District Living and Learning Centre has been more than just a building—it has been a catalyst for connection, a source of knowledge, and a cornerstone of community resilience. As it celebrates its 40th birthday, the Centre stands as a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with shared purpose and commitment to their community.
Whether you’re a long-time participant or new to the area, the Centre’s doors are open, inviting you to be part of its story for the next 40 years and beyond.
For more information about the Yarra Glen District Living and Learning Centre or to join the garden group, call 9730 2887 or email ygdllc@bigpond.com.
