The Cobram Community House after the extensive 2010 renovations that linked the two buildings at 43 and 45 Punt Rd.
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The past and present embraced with open arms on Thursday, November 21, as one Cobram institution marked a special milestone.
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Celebrating four decades with an intimate gathering on the night, attendees noted the Cobram Community House had been many things — to many people — over the years.
But through it all, the house has remained faithful to its mission of providing a place for community connectivity and mutual learning.
Cobram Community House manager Christine Osborne has devoted time and effort at the house for the past 16 years across various roles.
Cobram Community House manager Christine Osborne said the evening was a success.
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Jamie Salter
Mrs Osborne said the celebration was an opportunity for past and current volunteers to share their stories in an informal setting.
“What struck me during the night ... was to see how we got to where we are today,” she said.
Berrigan Shire Mayor Julia Cornwell-McKean, Amanda Mayoh, Kate Hay and Carolyn Brunskill at the birthday ceremony. Photo: Paula Hansen.
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“Some of the people who were involved many years ago had a lovely time reminiscing about their time here.”
Lyn, Debbie and Tina have supported the house for several years.
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The house began its life as the Cobram Neighbourhood House under the auspices of the Cobram Community Group.
Before arriving in September 1984 at its current residence at 43 Punt Rd, Cobram, the house was initially without a home.
Successful negotiations eventually saw the house open its first program — an aerobics class attended by nine women on Tuesday, February 20, 1984 — at the Cobram Scout Hall.
The front of the house before the renovations in 2010.
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Before long, however, the house secured its current premises at 43 Punt Rd, Cobram, where it stands today. Later, in 1996, the house expanded its premises to 45 Punt Rd.
Mrs Osborne said she later spoke to a guest who attended the event.
“I had a phone call from a man who said, ‘I just want to tell you what a wonderful night it was’,” she said.
“He said, ‘It just had such an amazing feel, everyone was having a lovely time’.
“It was very humbling to see all the generosity in the room of all the people who have done wonderful things for the community.”
The house also used the occasion to launch a new logo, which will replace the logo designed by local high-school student Jason Ellerton.
Over its 40 years, the house has offered a suite of courses, programs and services. Volunteers have run courses ranging from job-seeking to parental support and almost everything in between.
A childcare centre, toy library and playgroup number among the numerous services the house has provided in its time.
Beginning in the 1990s, the house was responsible for providing emergency relief to the community through the Community Chest until 2015.
For more information about the house’s programs and events, follow its Facebook page at tinyurl.com/3f7mh34dor call (03) 5872 2224.
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