Training co-ordinator Chrystal Richards, who has worked at the centre for 20 years, said the centre’s headquarters had changed its role in the Shepparton North community over time.
The centre is now just off Numurkah Rd, near the sports stadium.
“We started out in one single little house in Packham St,” she said.
“In around 1984, we moved to Olympic Ave and we had three houses there, then we moved to here in 2010 and became the hub for north Shepparton.”
Ms Richards said the hub started as a place for people to “have a cuppa and connect” but now the centre was a place for Shepparton North residents to take on skills courses, from computers to basic trades.
“We were originally just your typical neighbourhood house, you know, creating arts and crafts, and we've grown and changed into offering registered training here as well accredited courses, pre-accredited training and a Men's Shed,” she said.
“We have probably about 60 different organisations that also come and we hire out to different services to the community as well.”
The centre acted as a hub during the floods last month, putting people in contact with support services.
“We have been a great help to people who were affected by the floods in terms of connecting people with the right services,” Ms Richard said.
She said the centre would continue to be a integral part of the community.
“I think it's something that's always going to be needed in this community, given the array of services that we offer,” she said.
On December 1, the centre will hold a barbecue dinner to celebrate its 40th birthday, with people welcome to play games, and live music to be performed as well.
A visit from Santa is also on the cards.
The event will start at 5pm at 10-14 Parkside Dve, Shepparton North, and is free entry for all.
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