CHL celebrates opening of new community hub in Ferntree Gully, Victoria thanks to partnership with Opendoor.
A simple garden shed has been transformed into a welcoming, functional community hub in Ferntree Gully, Victoria, thanks to full funding from Opendoor and the dedication of Workforce Australia Work for the Dole participants. The project, which took place over the course of four months, empowered young people through practical training while creating a space that will support CHL residents’ wellbeing and connection.
Today community members from Ferntree Gully joined CHL team members, the team from Opendoor and local community leaders including Knox City Council Mayor to celebrate the opening of the new community hub.
Kate Daddo, CHL’s Community Development Manager, highlighted the collaborative process: “The upgraded space now boasts a modern community kitchen and offers CHL’s local residents in Ferntree Gully a comfortable place for meals, gatherings and support. Our new space is the result of listening to our residents and what matters most to them. Turning the garden shed into a fit-for-purpose space our customers wanted was something we had been trying to do, but it wasn’t possible without support.
“The amazing team at Opendoor fully funded this renovation. We are incredibly grateful to them for believing in our customers’ vision and to the Workforce Australia Work for the Dole participants who poured such care and heart into bringing it to life.”
Granville Jones, Opendoor’s Workforce Australia Work for the Dole Coordinator, added: “Our team are really proud to have created this new space for CHL’s customers and community to enjoy. Projects like this enable our participants to get real work experience as part of their path to prepare for, find and succeed in meaningful employment. Seeing the participants grow their confidence and have such great team spirit during the project was fantastic.”
Participants gained hands-on experience under the guidance of a qualified builder. Josh and Max, both program participants, shared that they gained confidence by learning new skills and through teamwork as well as gained satisfaction by giving back to the community.
Community members previously gathered in the old shed but now benefit from a much more comfortable venue that enables our customers to connect and find a sense of place and belonging. Local resident Tracey, an advocate for the new space, described its impact: “The converted shed is great for my mental health. It’s where the noise in my head finally settles, a small, quiet world where my thoughts can breathe, my hands can build and my mind can rest.”
