Starting strong: Cobram Community House was honoured on Australia Day. Ed Cox is pictured with Cobram Community House manager Christine Osborne and Paula Hansen
Photo by
Gabriel Garcia
The year 2023 was outstanding for Cobram Community House as it continued to support the community in various ways.
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According to CCH’s chief executive, Christine Osborne, 2023 was a busy but productive year.
“We are very proud of the way we have supported the community,” she said.
“We introduced some new programs and courses and are continually looking for ways to make a positive impact.”
The year started on a high with CCH winning the Community Organisation of the Year award as part of the Moira Shire Australia Day Awards.
From there, the organisation went from strength to strength as it carried out its mission to support the local community.
“Our community engagement has continued to grow throughout the year through our programs and services,” Ms Osborne said.
Brewing: CCH volunteer Joan Mackay brews a hot drink at the weekly Chatty Cafe.
Photo by
Gabriel Garcia
“We pride ourselves on being responsive to the needs of the community and are always looking for new ways to connect and support the community.”
Some of the 2023 events included:
Women’s Wellness Day.
Weekly Chatty Café.
Monthly community lunch, including Christmas in July.
Celebration events for Cultural Diversity Week, Refugee Week, 16 Days of Activism.
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.
Events to support carers.
Introduction of a weekly walking group.
Introduction of soft pastels art classes.
For Ms Osborne, the women’s wellness event was particularly significant.
Refugee Week: CCH held a Refugee Week celebration. Cobram Anglican Grammar School students Madison McDiarmid (Year 11) and Tom Nye (Year 6) are pictured with Wendy Rowan in front of Cobram Community House, where Ms Rowan gave a speech on her work with refugees.
Photo by
Gabriel Garcia
“We are very proud of the women’s wellness event we held in July, where over 120 people attended and were treated to interesting speakers, information, activities, pampering, self-care activities, health checks and a delicious lunch,” Ms Osborne said.
“We received a lot of positive feedback about this event and hope to organise a similar event in 2024.”
Among other things hosted or supported by the organisation, CCH held lessons where students helped teach older generations about the latest in technology, Refugee Week events, the highly successful Christmas Gift Appeal, and organised the inaugural Christmas cheer packs.
Christmas early: CCH held a Christmas in July event.
Photo by
Gabriel Garcia
Ms Osborne said none of this would have been possible without the CCH team of workers and volunteers.
“I am proud of the commitment and generosity of our staff and volunteers that allow us to deliver programs and activities to connect with the community,” she said.
As for 2024, Ms Osborne said CCH would continue its role in supporting the community.
“We plan to continue supporting the community in a positive way and will continue to find new and innovative ways to connect,” she said.