Welcome to our April edition of our bi-monthly newsletter! Stay informed with community centre highlights, inspiring stories and upcoming events.

Varsity Lakes Community Resource Centre has a CEO who embraces her role with a kind heart and a compassionate nature, working with the community to ensure a better future for all.  For more than seven years, Elli has empowered change and growth for the local community, and she confronts challenges in a calm and humble manner.

With a commitment to sustainability and diversity, the successes of VLCRC reflect Elli’s leadership qualities.  Elli has established programs to meet the requirements of community members from all walks of life, supporting people of all ages and abilities.

To meet the community's needs, Elli actively sources and inspires talented staff and creates a welcoming environment for volunteers to share and improve their skills.  Elli engages with the community at events and through social media, while volunteering as a board member for other local not-for-profit organisations which support both refugee empowerment and financial stability.

Elli’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Social Welfare from Southern Cross University and a Master of Business: Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies from Queensland University of Technology

Fun Facts about Elli:

She loves weight training – boasting a personal best of a 140kg deadlift.

Elli loves reggae music and is a science fiction fan.

In 2000, she was honored as the Queensland Endeavour Foundation Bar Tender of the Year.

Next time you are at the community centre, don’t hesitate to stop by and say hello to Elli.

By Jodi C – University Placement Student

CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN!! 

Temporary fences, trucks, heavy machinery, gravel pathways and workers are currently transforming the landscape at the community centre. This marks the commencement of the much-anticipated construction journey for our new building! The demolition process began in April and was carefully executed with safety as the top priority. The centre was closed for two days to facilitate the safe removal of asbestos, prioritising the well-being of everyone.

We understand that these changes are causing temporary disruptions to classes and inconvenience with parking. Your patience and support during this transitional phase are deeply appreciated. As construction continues, we will keep you updated on the progress. We look forward to welcoming you to our new building in the near future, where we can continue developing growth and improvement within our community.

Special thanks to the City of Gold Coast and the efforts of Hermann Vorster – LNP for Burleigh for their contributions to our community centres growth.

DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF ART: Social Art Group Exhibition

Art has a remarkable ability to bring people together through collective creativity. Here at the VLCRC, we want to showcase the vibrant spirit of our community through the wonderful paintings of our Social Art Group. Every Friday, the group, led by talented volunteers, gathers to learn new techniques and unleash their creativity, bringing beautiful pieces of artwork to life. Each painting reflects the diverse perspectives and talents that make our community truly unique.

We are thrilled to announce that the art exhibition showcased by our Social Art Group during the recent election day has found a permanent home in our community center. Now, you have the opportunity to see their artwork every day as it is conveniently displayed near our coffee cart for all to enjoy!

But here’s the best part – every piece of art you see is available for purchase! So whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking to brighten up a space with a unique painting, we warmly invite you to drop by, grab a coffee and see what local artists have created. You might even find yourself inspired to pick up a brush and join our Social Art Group!

Classes are held every Friday from 11:30am to 2:30pm – conditions do apply, so please contact us for more details (07) 5593 7006.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY RECAP 

The recent school holidays saw the community centre come alive with creativity, excitement and fun as we hosted four fantastic events to entertain the kids!

Thank you to our VLCRC volunteers and team who make school holiday activities possible for our young people. If you missed out on the fun, click below to stay updated!

MORE THAN JUST LANGUAGE LESSONS: The VLCRC English Class

Here at VLCRC, people from all kinds of backgrounds, languages, and cultures come together in our community. This combination of cultures is embodied in the English Class, demonstrating the power of learning, friendship, and cultural exchange.

For over 15 years, Rae and Peggy have volunteered their time to teach English. Their solid dedication and boundless passion have fostered an environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported on their language-learning journey. What began as a small group, their weekly class now welcomes over 30 students from diverse backgrounds!

In every lesson, Rae and Peggy infuse their teaching with warmth, patience, and a genuine curiosity about the lives and experiences of their students. They understand that language is more than just words on a page; it's a tool for building relationships between people from diverse backgrounds and fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion. Plus they have a lot of fun in class too, laughter often fills the air as participants practice their English conversation skills, learn about Aussie slang and cultural customs, share favourite recipes and get to know one another.

Come join us!

Whether you're a seasoned language learner or someone taking their first steps in English, there's a place for you in our English Class. Come and be part of our vibrant community, where learning is a journey shared and beautiful friendships are forged along the way.

The English Conversation Class meet weekly on a Wednesday from 9:30am – 11:30am. Please contact us for more information or simply come along and enjoy learning one conversation at a time!

By Raf C – University Placement Student

A huge thank you to our generous partners, Second Bite and Woolworths Robina, for their ongoing support. Let’s keep nourishing our community together!