VOLUNTEERS and community members at Seawinds Community Hub are keen to get the message out that the centre is “moving forward in a positive way”, having welcomed four new board members at a recent board meeting.
New CEO Karen Vanderkaay confirmed last week that the atmosphere at the hub has been “really positive”. This comes after a “turbulent” period when four of the five board members resigned (“Call for new direction at Seawinds” The News 29/10/2018).
At the time a petition was presented to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council signed by 78 volunteers, staff, and members of community groups unhappy with events leading up to the departure of the former CEO.
The petitioners said they were “concerned with the current board and the perceived discrepancies between what the board wants and what the volunteers, employees and community groups of the Seawinds Community Hub want for the operations of the hub”.
Ms Vanderkaay says things had improved in the short time she had been there: “The Hub is supported by a fantastic group of staff and volunteers, with a range of activities, groups and programs on offer, as well as the Early Learning Centre and cafe open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday,” she said.
“Yes, there was lots of talk about goings on at the Hub, but the general vibe of the place is great and everyone is just keen to get on with things and do what they do best, which is support the great Capel Sound and broader Rosebud community.”
The Hub is keen to boost community use of its facilities. Those wishing to use rooms are invited to discuss their ideas, enjoy a coffee or high tea, or join in the community lunch on Wednesdays.
Details: Call Ms Vanderkaay 5982 2204 or, to learn more about the Early Learning Centre, email Sarah Scott-Branagan at elcleader@seawindscommunityhub.com.au
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 27 November 2018
