Take a look at local lessons

By Kath Gannaway
GETTING started is often the most difficult part of getting off your … seat and doing “something”!
And, it’s not always easy. There are all sorts of reasons for sticking with the status quo – no time, no money, no energy, no … no … no … no!
If you have been promising yourself a change of pace and need to tackle some of the “reasons why not” neighbourhood houses and other “alternative” learning centres are a great place to start.
They not only offer a variety of physical, social and educational activities, they provide a supportive, welcoming environment aimed at encouraging individual and community involvement.
Fees vary from house to house but most of the centres offer some courses and workshops which are affordable and represent excellent value for money.
Here are just a few examples of what’s on offer right now around the Yarra Valley and in nearby suburbs.
Toolangi District Community House is offering personal training sessions with an experienced personal trainer taking groups of three students, card making, singing and dance classes … they even have sewing machine hire.
The Woori Community House at Woori Yallock offers recreational courses including Bollywood Dance, Brewers’ Club, glass painting, meditation and something everyone can relate to “UFO” classes. Finish off all those unfinished objects!
Kinglake District Neighbourhood House includes an excellent range of ‘get fit’ type activities in their program including badminton, golf and gardening. Community singing, computer classes and writing are a few more options at Kinglake.
Healesville Living and Learning Centre is having a Women’s Evening on Friday 14 March for International Women’s Day. Courses include painting, numeracy and maths, responsible service of gambling and furniture making.
Different community houses also offer different types of courses and these can change from term to term, year to year.
It’s well worth making a phone call to find out what others have on offer.
The following list of community houses will provide a starting point:
Healesville Living and Learning Centre – 5962 5982.
Steels Creek Community Centre – 9730 2858.
Toolangi Community House – 5962 9060.
Kinglake District Neighbourhood House – 5786 1301.
UYCH Learning Centre, Yarra Junction – 5967 1776.
Yarra Glen Living and Learning Centre 9730 2887.
Chirnside Park Community Centre – 9727 2243.
University of the Third Age, Lilydale – 9739 7605.
University of the Third Age, Healesville – 5962 1432.
Morrison House, Mt Evelyn – 9736 1457.
Seville Community House – 5964 3987.
Woori Community House – 5964 6857.