Creating Ripples of Change

Imagine a space where you could go to meet other people in your neighbourhood. A place with accessible services and people who care, whether you’re seeking a job, a friend, or simply something fun to do.

This is a Cire Community Hub, here to support our community so that everyone can be empowered to reach their potential. Our Hubs in Chirnside Park and Yarra Junction offer a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone to connect, learn, and access essential services.  We listen to what our community needs and use their voice to inform our approach and offerings.

You will find people passionate about where they live, and discover ways to lend your voice to the conversation – and know that it is heard and understood. A simple ‘Hello’ spoken with a smile starts a ripple of change that spreads through hearts and into our everyday lives. Countless heartfelt ripples begin here at the Hubs, where everyone is welcome, safe, and valued.

Who’s at the Hubs?

Our friendly team stands out for their dedication and warmth, each and every one. The most likely faces you’ll be greeted with are Lesley and Amber.

Lesley and Amber proudly represent Cire in partnership with Yarra Ranges Council within our community. Their kindness and empathy are frequently recognised by those they serve, giving people a meaningful reason to engage.

At Chirnside Park, you’ll most often find Lesley and her wealth of knowledge and compassion. Lesley’s ability to connect with anyone in the community is second to none. Her laughter is infectious – and she will stop at nothing to solve a problem for someone in need.

She’s also a talented and generous cook, sharing her tasty creations with community at the Hub – from hot meals to baked treats. Nobody goes hungry with Lesley around.

“It’s the people who make the real difference. Without them, there would be no Hub.”

You’ll find Amber at Yarra Junction, along with the rest of the community. Speak Amber’s name and be regaled with tales of her antics and assistance spoken with pride. Tell her a success story and she’ll jump with happiness. Her excitement is its own tide, washing over the Hub and the people who come just to share in the joy.

Ask Amber for assistance and she’ll not rest until you’re safe and sound. Many of the weekly events and programs held at the Hub are a result of Amber promoting these in the community and providing a safe space for participants to feel welcome and secure – and then, part of the family.

She and Lesley work tirelessly to throw community events that unite our community in ways that grow each year. From our inclusive Community Markets , to celebrations of Get Online Week and Children’s Week, to our massive Halloween Street Party, all are welcome and are sure to have a good time. You can be sure that with Amber and Lesley in the planning, the community is healthy and active.

Services

Our Hubs are such warm and wonderful places to simply be, and this is only one way in which we care for our community. We create a safe place for people to talk, a place to learn, and a place for us to listen – and respond through our service offerings.

Community Pantry

The community pantry offers food to those struggling with the ever-rising cost of living, including a freezer of healthy meals cooked by volunteers. We are proud to distribute the generous donations of organisations like the Life Ministry Church which both aids our community and reduces food waste.

Community Lunches

Our monthly lunches offer true human connection. As many as 30 elderly, youth, families and individuals come along to share a nutritious, freshly-cooked meal together. It’s a celebration of culture with international meals, or you can find indulgence with treats like l emon meringue pie. Cire Community School cookery students show their skills and compassion at Yarra Junction and the homely meals are just as scrumptious at Chirnside Park, ranging from mushroom and feta bakes to lasagna cooked from scratch.

Connecting Services

Our wonderfully diverse community has different needs to support their health, safety and wellbeing, and Cire Community Hub is here to help. If we can’t offer it, we will walk with you to find it.

For community members experiencing homelessness, we know where you can go – and we’ll call ahead and follow up to ensure you’re received with the dignity and compassion.

If you have concerns, the Hubs team is here to listen and respond.

This year, we connected a person to a service to help them find a support worker who is more suitable for their needs, after they were nervous about exploring the possibility.

“You can talk freely at the Hubs – nobody’s gonna judge you for your language!”

We have built a partnership with Wellways, who are a network of wellbeing workers, clinical consultants, support workers, peer workers, and counsellors. Together, we ensure that all the people we serve have opportunities to fully participate in the community, free from stigma and discrimination.

On a larger scale, we build connections between industry and community. We understand that what affects one, will impact the other. Through these connections we seek to build capacity and strengthen our community. This could mean stronger ties between emergency services and volunteers, or preparing for policy implementation and change.

Events

Cire’s impact flows through our community events by the Hubs. Markets connect local traders to the public, inspiring creatives and entrepreneurs to invest in the community. The annual Halloween Street Party, attended by over 3,000 people in 2024, is open for all to enjoy a fun, social and family-friendly evening in Yarra Junction. And throughout the year, a myriad of activities bring people together to exercise, talk, and learn.

It’s because of our people that our events improve each year. We promote exercise classes to support a healthier community; social groups to facilitate connection; and learning opportunities for empowerment. Your voice informs our offerings, and your engagement ensures that they will continue to serve our valued society.

Ripples to Waves

Neighbourhood House Week is a time to celebrate the countless ripples of change that spread from our Hubs across the community.

Something so simple as a craft group – offered at both locations – can provide the current that sparks a lifelong connection. Artists with 40+ years of experience in their craft share stories with people trying a new skill for the first time. One person colours in a borrowed colouring book while another crochets a quilt. On the surface, they enjoy each other’s company while working on their projects.

“It’s been a pleasure to come here, and be pulled up from a hole you may be digging for yourself, and to learn there is another light to brighten up your day.”

Listen beneath the surface. You don’t have to go far before you’ll learn that the person giving crochet advice to her friend is there because another community member noticed that she hadn’t left her house for some time.

Another person embroidering animals has come from visiting her husband, and is happy because he remembered her name today. All activity pauses in the room as she speaks. Then, conversation resumes, and you can see her relax, her burden lighter as the warm anecdotes and easy laughter wash over her.

“In my time of growing up I have met a lot of ladies that have been in my life. But since I came to this special “Hub”, the friendships have been like no other.”

It takes little effort to start a ripple of change. We envisage our Hubs as an ever-pulsing force, fostering and nurturing these ripples to create waves that bring people together. Volunteers, Cire teams, and community members – we are all in the same ocean. Let’s create a better future together, one ripple at a time.