Community Links – organisations and services

Here, we will include details of the many services and organisations that exist in our region and do so much to strengthen our community.

They cover:

Click on the links above or scroll down to find out about the many active organisations that we have in our local region and follow the links to make contact with them. And please tell us about your group.  We’d love to include them in this list.

Community Radio – 94.1FM 3WBC

The Box Hill Town Hall Community Hub in Bank Street, Box Hill at the rear of the Box Hill Town Hall is home to a range of community groups, not-for-profit organisations and service providers.  One group that is doing much to provide a voice for the Whitehorse and Boroondara communities is the community radio station 94.1FM 3WBC.

Community radio station 3WBC broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed entirely by volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Since it commenced full time broadcasting in September 2001, 3WBC has sought to reflect the broad and diverse community in Melbourne’s eastern region with a wide range of ethnic, specialist and general programming.

The best way to experience what 3WBC has to offer is to tune your radio to 94.1FM. Whatever time of day or night, you are sure to find music and conversation to suit your taste and interests.  To find out more about their programs, go to their website at https://www.3wbc.org.au/

Need a Justice of the Peace? Here’s where to go.

A Justice of the Peace is a member of your community authorised to witness signatures on legal documents, swearing/affirming Statutory Declarations and Affidavits, authorizing copies of documents, and witnessing/attesting documents such as wills, application for visas, marriages, and divorces, etc.

One way to find a JP is to go to a Document Signing Station.  These are set up in public spaces such as libraries, community centres, Neighbourhood Centres and Police Stations.  Call the Department of Justice and Community Safety on (03) 8684 0000 or go to http://www.justice.vic.gov.au to locate your nearest JP.

There is a DSS operating from the Boroondara Police Station at 34 Harp Road, East Kew.  We are in attendance: Mondays and Wednesdays 11am-1pm; Thursdays 5pm-7pm except for Public Holidays and periods of lockdown.  No appointment is necessary.

Information supplied by Lindy Anderson Justice of the Peace 

Community Services

Municipal Councils

Local government is an important layer of Australia’s democracy.  We encourage you to participate in the work of your local council by responding to their calls for submissions on matters they have under consideration.  Listed here are links to the engagement sites for Whitehorse, Boroondara, Manningham and Maroondah.  Other ways to participate include attending regular council meetings and making contact with your local councillor.  Details are readily available on the website for each council.

Have Your Say: Whitehorse

Engage Boroondara

Your Say Manningham

Your Say Maroondah

Neighbourhood Watch Whitehorse

Neighbourhood Watch in Victoria was started when it was realised that the Police alone could not control the rising crime rate, in particular burglary and related thefts. The support of the public was sought to help reduce crimes such as burglary and theft which resulted in a pilot area opened on June 15, 1983 in Kananook, a suburb of Frankston.

Community Support Groups

Our region has many organisations that provide support to people who are experiencing challenging times.  We have been made aware of so many that they don’t easily fit on this page.  Please click here to find out more about organisations that can share your experience and provide both care and friendship.

Community Action Groups

Surrey Hills Progress Association 

The Surrey Hills & Mont Albert Progress Association (SHPA) aims to improve, preserve and advance the neighbourhood of Surrey Hills & Mont Albert, Victoria.

Heatherdale Community Action Group

HCAG is a community organisation committed to work positively and constructively with elected councillors, the council organisation, State government ministers, State instrumentalities and departments and Federal members to achieve its Statement of Purpose.

HCAG’s geographical area of interest is centred on Heatherdale Road (the Maroondah and Whitehorse boundary) and comprises the three closest Maroondah wards and the four closest Whitehorse wards.  Click here to go to their Facebook page.

Environmental Groups

There are many environmental groups operating with our region;  some have a broad focus , others with a more specific purpose.  These groups play an important role in working to address the challenge of climate change and reminding us of the need to protect our natural environment.

Go here to find out about how you can become involved.

Please tell us about your group so we can promote its objectives.

Community Service Organisations

Community service organisations promote, provide or carry out activities, facilities or projects for the benefit or welfare of the community or any members of the community who have a particular need.

In this region, there are many vibrant, active service organisations.  These include groups such as Rotary, Lions and Probus. Go here to find how you can become involved in one in your area.

Community Centres and Neighbourhood Houses

 Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres in Whitehorse

Neighbourhood Houses bring people together to connect, learn and contribute in their local community through social, educational and recreational activities.  There are ten in Whitehorse.

 

Click on the links below to explore their programs and activities and to see how you can become involved.

Introducing Blackburn North Neighbourhood House

Formerly known as Koonung Cottage, Blackburn North Neighbourhood House is located at 109 Koonung Rd Blackburn North and has been serving our community for over 45 years.

Our name may have changed but our mission remains the same: to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment to respond to the social and learning needs of our community and provide a sense of belonging.

We offer a range of low cost or free programs, workshops and events to give community members an opportunity to connect with each other while building skills, getting fit or just having fun. We also have a Childcare Program, rooms available for community hire and a variety of volunteer opportunities. Our staff are fonts of local knowledge and are keen to help, and we pride ourselves on our willingness to respond to community interest. With office hours of 9am to 3pm weekdays during school term, we invite you to pop in and see what we have to offer.

For more information, click here.

English Conversation Classes

English Conversation on Sundays – Burwood Heights Uniting Church

Share your interests, develop your skills

Getting active

We have created a separate page to list some of the many sporting and activities in our  region.  Please click here to find out about those we have been told about.

Music, Movies and other Marvelous Entertainments including Theatre

Go here to find out what is happening in our region.

Getting to know your local area

Open Gardens Victoria

Open Gardens Victoria (OGV) is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that promotes the benefits of gardens and gardening for all Victorians. We assist garden owners to open their private gardens to the public and organise gardening and horticulturally themed events. Our activities are funded by ticket sales, and each year a portion of our surplus is applied to grants under our Giving Program for horticultural projects in the fields of education, wellness, innovation, community and sustainability.

For more information about open gardens and events, visit the Open Gardens Victoria website.

Volunteering

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to contribute to your community, use your particular skills to help others and to meet people who share your interest and commitment to a stronger community.

The many community groups in our area rely on volunteers to do their essential work.  Go here to find out about some of them.  We encourage you to tell us about your organisation.