Community houses a place for connections

A community house can build the foundations for a better-connected community, just ask Baiba Lowther.

Baiba helps lead a local pottery group which calls Deans Marsh Memorial Reserve home, alongside Deans Marsh Community Cottage: the town’s community house.

“The pottery group works out of two storage sheds, as part of the facility set-up by SPaRK, which brings together the arts and sport,” she said. “If the community cottage wasn’t there, SPaRK wouldn’t be there. Everything at the recreation reserve grows organically, and it’s all because of the community cottage.”

Council adopted revised Community Houses and Community Development policies at the February Council meeting. The policies, which sit side-by-side, confirm Council’s commitment to support communities to act on issues that are important to them

“I’ve lived in Deans Marsh since ’81,” Baiba said. “It’s a brilliant community. What I love about Deans Marsh is that if we haven’t got it, we’ll do it ourselves.”

The pottery group is an example of community members taking the lead on an initiative.

“It’s a small group of local people and it’s so casual,” Baiba said. “You can come and do some work, you can sit and chitter-chat and make a coffee, and you can build community connections.

“People will walk past with their dogs on the oval and they’ll swing by to say hello and see what we’re doing.

“The cottage is also great at providing so many social connections.”

Deans Marsh Community Cottage coordinator Caroline Shelbourne said the cottage had a simple but important vision: bringing people together in welcoming spaces to build meaningful connections.

“All neighbourhood houses are at the heart of community, offering essential referrals to local services, fostering social connections, and creating a true sense of belonging,” Caroline said.

“Whether it's standing side by side while learning a new skill, sharing ideas at a book or film club, or deepening bonds over a shared meal, these moments — big or small — help weave the fabric of our community. And when challenges arise, whether it's personal struggles like loneliness or illness, or larger crises such as fires and floods, these connections become invaluable.”

Caroline said volunteering was another way that people could be involved in a community house.

“The benefits go both ways, helping others can be just as rewarding as receiving support,” she said.

“If you haven't visited your local community house yet, why not drop in? You might be surprised by the friendships, opportunities, and support available.”

There are community houses in Anglesea, Deans Marsh, Lorne, Torquay, and Winchelsea.

Council is committed to supporting the community houses, which includes providing and maintaining their buildings and a small annual financial contribution. 

Learn more via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/communityhouses.