Smiles and hugs at Jindi Father’s Day Celebration
Dads were lavished with hugs and smiles at the Jindi Family and Community Centre Father’s Day celebration on the weekend, at Mernda in Melbourne’s outer north.
Brotherhood of St Laurence General Manger Children, Youth and Families Dr Tricia Szirom says more than 200 people enjoyed a day of family fun.‘The big turnout shows the need for events that allow the local community to come together. The first time we held a Father’s Day event last year, we expected about 60 people, but we had more than 200 join us in the end,’ she said.
The Centre opened in February last year, a partnership between the Brotherhood of St Laurence, the City of Whittlesea and Goodstart Early Learning.
The centre offers a wide range of services including a kindergarten, playgroups, various health services, English lessons, computer classes, gardening groups and morning teas, as well as information and referral to local employment and community activities.
Dr Szirom said many families using services at the Centre require additional support in the face of mortgage stress, feelings of isolation and other issues. ‘We are working with other organisations, the council and skilled volunteers to respond to these issue with local community input. Building a strong sense of community is the highest priority,’ she said.