Westbury Health Inc continues to be an advocate for wellbeing across the Meander Valley, with programs that range from yoga for seniors to youth drop-in sessions in Deloraine.
Speaking about the group’s work, vice chair Alison Tillack explains that its role is to “primarily support any health and wellbeing activities in the Meander Valley area.” Some of those supports have been in place for years, such as hydrotherapy sessions, regular bus trips for seniors and the hire of a community bus. Others are newer, including programs designed for young people.
Letter to the Editor
One of those is The Hangout, a weekly youth drop-in project in Deloraine funded through the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Local Drug Action Team program. “It’s been quite interesting this year to actually spread out and start offering things for young people, which is great,” Tillack says. She adds that she hopes the project can continue to grow and involve more young people directly in shaping its future.
Westbury Health Inc has also been working to foster community connections through the Westbury Community Garden, where residents can come together to grow food, share skills and build friendships. Tillack describes the group as open to any ideas that help strengthen health and community wellbeing. “We are always open to looking at supporting those,” she says.
That openness extends to individuals who may have projects of their own but need support to make them happen. “We are a registered not-for-profit organisation, so we do have the ability at times to apply for funding or to support auspice funding applications,” Tillack explains. With a network that spans council contacts and other community groups, the committee is often able to link people to the right resources.
Membership of the organisation is varied, with many retired members but also a number of people still working part-time across different industries. “It’s really nice working with a group of people that have come from different backgrounds,” Tillack says. “A lot of our members are probably involved with other community organisations as well, so they bring those other connections.”
The North Coast Post: BSB 633 000 · Account number: 2366 8 9535
One of the organisation’s biggest challenges is the same as many community groups: volunteers. “We really would love to have more members on our committee because then obviously we could support more projects,” Tillack admits. The group is particularly keen to welcome volunteers with digital skills.
Currently, the committee meets once a month on Thursdays, with additional involvement left to individual preference.
At present, about 12 members make up the core of Westbury Health Inc, though others contribute occasionally, helping with events such as car boot sales. All levels of involvement are welcomed and valued.
Looking ahead, the group is preparing for the future, where new members are encouraged to join and shape the organisation’s direction. “We need to be open to changing and growing,” Tillack says. “Generally each year we look at our strategic direction. We are open to it being quite fluid in that way.”
For Tillack, one of the most memorable parts of her involvement has been the people. “My biggest take-home moment is just being really grateful, learning from those people and seeing how interested and how keen they are to support the community,” she notes.
Asked what she loves about the Meander Valley, Tillack doesn’t hesitate. “It’s a very diverse and very interesting community. There are some people that are so community minded and really would like to make a difference,” she says.
For those interested in getting involved, details can be found on Westbury Health Inc’s Facebook page or by contacting the Westbury Health Community Centre.
