Christine Osborne a pillar of the community

By Gabriel Garcia

Mar 31, 2023

Pillar of the community: Christine Osborne (front row, right) has worked at Cobram Community House in various roles for the last 15 years. She is pictured with (local plumber) Dean Harris, Cobram Lions secretary Janet Austin, treasurer Ron Simon and local plumber Mark Anderson after CCH and Lions joined forces to provide free hot showers for disadvantaged people to use.

Christine Osborne is a pillar of the Cobram community.

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As Cobram Community House (CCH) manager, Mrs Osborne has been living in Cobram for almost 30 years and is a regional girl through and through.

“I grew up in regional Victoria,” she said.

Like many regional Victorians Mrs Osborne spent a few, in her case seven, years living in Melbourne before returning to the country.

Mrs Osborne has worn many hats in her time.

Talking to the Courier, she explained that she had worked at CCH for the past 15 years in various roles including being manager.

“I started as a seasonal trainer of business administration, working one day per week. Over the years I have worked part-time in training, compliance management and finance,” she said.

Prior to arriving at CCH, Mrs Osborne was a teacher at Sacred Heart College in Yarrawonga and performed casual relief teaching after having kids.

She has also been a member of various community organisations including Toy Library, Punt Road Kinder and childcare, St Joseph’s School P&F and Fete committee, Cobram Football Netball Club, Junior Tennis and Cobram Roar soccer club.

Unsurprisingly Mrs Osborne’s role as the manager of CCH is very diverse.

“My job involves building community connections and relationships, addressing community needs, providing support and assisting with services, preparing courses, delivering training, people and policy management, applying for grants and delivering projects and programs that support our community,” she said.

For those thinking about working in similar leadership positions or roles that are community service focused, Mrs Osborne said a passion for helping others was essential.

“Work in a field that you enjoy and believe that you can make a difference. Learn from the people around you and take opportunities when they arise,” she said.

“To work in this sector you need a passion for helping people, to be adaptable and prepared for anything. Tertiary qualifications in education, community services or management are advantageous.”

Despite her busy work life Mrs Osborne does find time to relax.

“I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, cooking and watching movies,” she said.