The Corryong community has flourished with the development of a renovated community hub thanks to funds received from a Baptcare Community Grant.

In 2015 the Corryong Baptist church received a $15,000 grant to renovate their community kitchen and courtyard, which serves as a local hub for many surrounding communities. The grant was used to bring the space back to life allowing the church to use it as a much needed space to bring isolated families and children together in a safe and supportive environment.

A year on and the Corryong Baptist church kitchen is still going strong. Church secretary Bonita Nicholas said “the kitchen continues to serve as a great facility both for our church family as well as the community”.

The church activity list has also increased in the past year, with the space used to host many of the town’s events and groups. The church is now an important space in the community – a space that allows members of the community to come together and support each while participating in fun and casual activities.

Each week the church hosts a family event called ‘Mainly Music’ where 23 families and 43 children come together to sing, play and enjoy morning tea together. As part of the grant, the church also constructed a deck in their courtyard, a space that is used for mums to get together while watching their children play.

“The area is so much more usable and we enjoy using it.” Bonita said. Other activities held at the hub include craft activities for a girls group and regular men’s breakfasts for men of the broader Corryong community, that allow them to meet new people and learn new skills.

“We also host special events like Ping Pong-a-thon where the money raised is used to support agencies in South East Asia combating human trafficking,” Bonita added.

The Baptcare grant has assisted the Corryong Baptist church to bring the Corryong community together and is one example of the difference our grants have made.

 

Source: BUV News